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- About the Museum Building
About the Museum Building
The Idemitsu Museum of Arts opened in 1966 on the 9th floor of the Teigeki Building.
Taniguchi Yoshiro constructed a Museum space of 2531 square meters that includes three exhibition rooms, the ceramic sherd room, and the tea ceremony room.
Additionally, the relaxing lobby space, that offers a spectacular view of the Imperial Palace, has been enjoyed by many as an “oasis within the urban city.”
After several minor reconstructions since its founding, the Museum has slowly changed its shape but much of the space remains the same with its original architectural features.
Elevator
This is the Museum elevator that takes visitors directly to the 9th floor.
The doors are decorated with fans of various sizes designed with inlaid mother-of-pearls.
Elevator Hall
Renovated in 2006, on the 40th anniversary of the Museum opening.
The earthen walls are constructed with the architectural method called “rammed earth.”
Reception
A large panel of the iconic “Hotei (Budai) Pointing at the Moon” by Sengai welcomed visitors at the entrance when the Museum had opened.
The space underwent reconstruction in 2006 and has remained as it is now since.
Exhibition Room 1
Temporary exhibitions are shown here.
In the 1970s, small stairways, a lower-level space, and a glass exhibition case was built.
These additions formed the current Exhibition Room 1.
Exhibition Room 2
Initially opened as the “Sengai Room,”
this space used to showcase selected works by Sengai from the Idemitsu collection.
This room remains as it had been at the time of the Museum opening.
Exhibition Room 3
At the Museum opening, this used to be the first room to be entered by the visitors.
In 1971, the exhibition case located between the columns were cleared,
creating the exhibition room as we know today.
Exhibition Room 4 Rouault Room
In 2007, the current Rouault Room moved from its past space in the lobby to its current location and has been presenting Rouault’s works from the Idemitsu collection ever since.
Conceived from Idemitsu Sazo’s wish to see Rouault’s works at any time, the Museum continues to exhibit the artist’s works as a permanent exhibition.
Exhibition Room 5 Ceramic Sherd Room
At first, this Room opened as the Ceramic Materials Room and
after several reconstructions, came to hold its current layout.
This section showcases permanent exhibits of precious ceramic materials
excavated from kilns in Japan and various locations in the world.
Tea Ceremony Room
Located inside Exhibition Room 1 at the opening of the Museum, the tea ceremony room moved to its current location in 1975 and was renewed as “Chōseki-an.” Constructed by the architect Taniguchi Yoshiro,
this room features tea ceremony utensils according to each season.
Additionally, a painting or calligraphic work by Sengai is usually hung in the toko no ma alcove.
Museum Shop
Renewed in 2006, the Museum Shop offers original merchandise featuring works of the Idemitsu Collection and exhibition catalogues.
Lobby
When the museum had opened, artworks from the Idemitsu Collection were also presented in the lobby space.
Since its founding, visitors have been able to view the beautiful scenery of the Imperial Palace from the windows and enjoy a relaxing moment after visiting the exhibition.
