National Museum of Western Art – Europe Through an Artistic Lens in Tokyo

Tucked within Ueno Park, the National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) is a rare gem in Japan—home to a world-class collection of European paintings, sculptures, and prints, from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Opened in 1959, it’s not only about art—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its iconic building designed by Le Corbusier, a pioneer of modern architecture. Inside, visitors can explore masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Rubens, and Rodin, including the museum’s striking centerpiece: Rodin’s "The Thinker," which greets you at the entrance. The galleries flow naturally through art movements—Baroque, Romanticism, Impressionism—making it a perfect intro to Western art history. The museum’s calm atmosphere, thoughtful curation, and manageable size make it ideal for both art aficionados and curious newcomers. After your visit, enjoy a quiet moment in the courtyard or stroll through nearby Ueno Park. For a taste of Europe’s art legacy without leaving Tokyo, the National Museum of Western Art delivers beauty, history, and inspiration #NationalMuseumOfWesternArt #CityPlaybook #TokyoMuseums #UNESCOTokyo #LeCorbusier #WesternArtInJapan #RodinInTokyo #Impressionism #TokyoCulture #ArtAndArchitecture #HiddenTokyo