Opened in 1976 the Sompo Museum of Art started as the Seiji Togo Museum of Art. It was on the 42nd floor of the Yasuda Fire & Marine Insurance Co. building. That company is now Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. The Sompo Museum of Art began with Seiji Togo’s personal collection. He had close ties to Yasuda Fire & Marine Insurance. The museum mainly housed Togo’s works.
Then in 1987 something amazing happened. The museum bought Van Gogh’s painting Sunflowers. It gradually added to its collection. It also started holding planned and special exhibits. The high-rise location gave great city views. By 2019, six million people had visited.
But things changed again. In March 2020 the original museum closed. It was a social contribution by its parent company. It moved to a new building nearby. In April 2020, it became the Sompo Museum of Art. The new six-story museum opened in May.
The new building is shaped like the art inside. Its soft curves are like Togo’s works. The entrance uses glass. This makes it feel welcoming. The front garden has a ceramic tile copy of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. The museum owns one of the original Sunflowers paintings. Blue and red flags fly outside. They show the museum’s logo. This makes it a cultural landmark.
Inside, the exhibition rooms are white. This makes the art stand out. The gift shop and cafe have high ceilings. They are on the 2nd floor and are open on weekends and holidays. Visitors can relax there after seeing the art.
The Sompo Museum of Art says, “This town has its own Sunflowers.” It shares arts and culture. It shows Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. It also displays art from Seiji Togo’s collection. The museum teaches art to local students.
The Sompo Museum of Art is more than just a building. It is a place where art comes alive. It is a place where everyone can find beauty. The museum is a landmark that brings art to the community. It is a must-see destination in Shinjuku. You can experience masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers right here. It is a jewel amidst the hustle and bustle of the world’s busiest train station.