TOKYO

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

The Masterpiece of Art Deco Elegance in the Heart of Tokyo

The historic former residence of a prince transformed into an art museum.

Culture & Arts Experience & Activities Nature & Views

Step into a world where exquisite architecture and a peaceful garden create a refined cultural escape.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is one of Tokyo’s most architecturally striking cultural institutions: a rare example of 1930s French Art Deco design meticulously preserved. Originally constructed in 1933 as the residence of Prince Asaka, who studied in France and became deeply influenced by the Art Deco movement, the building stands today as a testament to international aesthetic exchange and Japan’s modernizing spirit. Since opening to the public as an art museum in 1983 and receiving Important Cultural Property designation in 2015, it has welcomed visitors seeking an experience that blends artistic beauty, historical depth, and serene green surroundings.

The museum’s main building is its central attraction: a showcase of Art Deco interior design created by leading artists of the era. Henri Rapin’s striking geometric motifs, René Lalique’s sculpted glass décor, and finely crafted furniture and lighting come together to form a visual masterpiece. Walking through its hallways feels like entering an elegant time capsule, an encounter with the sophistication of early 20th-century design. Each room reveals a different side of Art Deco aesthetics, from sleek lines and luxurious materials to harmonious combinations of Western and Japanese influences.

Beyond the building’s interiors, the museum is surrounded by a garden that offers something beautiful to see in every season. Winding paths lead you past sculpted greenery, seasonal flowers, and quiet corners. In spring and autumn especially, the garden becomes a highlight in its own right, drawing photography enthusiasts and casual strollers. The Japanese section of the garden also features a traditional tea house designed by Sason Nakagawa, a tea master from the Mushakojisenke school of Japanese tea ceremony.

The Teien Art Museum’s exhibition program focuses on decorative arts, design history, and the relationships between art, everyday life, and craftsmanship. Rotating exhibitions ensure that each visit offers something new, making it as much about appreciating the architecture itself as it is about exploring the curated artworks within. The museum also holds a variety of educational programs for children and adults alike, deepening each visitor’s engagement with the arts and reinforcing its role as a culturally rich, inclusive urban space.
Although the green space makes you forget you are in the middle of downtown, the museum is easily accessible from central Tokyo by train, with a short walk from Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line and the Tokyu Meguro Line. A visit provides a refined cultural experience that appeals to architecture lovers, design enthusiasts, and travelers seeking inspiration. It is a place where the elegance of the past remains vibrantly present.

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Address

5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Contact

+81 (0)50-5541-8600(Hello Dial Operator Service) 9:00-20:00

Business hours

10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last admission 5:30 p.m.)

Holiday

Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, then closed the following day) and New Year holidays.
For more details, please check the official website.

WEB site

https://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en/

Digital Map