Overlooking the sprawling cityscape, the Mori Art Museum beckons with its promise of artistic enlightenment. Founded in 2003 by Minoru Mori this contemporary art museum sits atop the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Mori believed culture shapes a city’s identity. The Mori Art Museum became a central part of his vision for Roppongi Hills.
Imagine stepping into a high-speed elevator. It whisks you away to the 53rd floor. Here you find a world of contemporary art. The museum’s location offers breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience.
The Mori Art Museum focuses on large-scale international exhibitions. However, it also has a permanent collection of art. The collection features works from Japan and the wider Asia Pacific region. The museum strives to cater to a diverse audience. It welcomes everyone from children to international visitors.
David Elliott was the Mori Art Museum’s first director. He served from 2003 to 2006. Fumio Nanjo then took over from 2006 to 2019. Mami Kataoka became the director in 2019.
In 2015, the Mori Art Museum underwent major renovations. Its mission statement was revised. New programs were introduced. These included MAM Collection, MAM Screen, and MAM Research.
The Mori Art Museum has hosted exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists. Yayoi Kusama, Ai Weiwei and Anish Kapoor are among them. In 2018, the museum attracted 13.5 million visitors.
Minoru Mori envisioned Roppongi Hills as a place to integrate work and leisure. He wanted to create a space where people could shorten commute times. This would allow them to devote more time to family and cultural pursuits. The Mori Art Museum reflects this vision. It offers a space for enjoyment and discussion. Important aspects of culture and society are openly debated here.
The Mori Art Museum is part of the Mori Arts Center. This center includes the Tokyo City View observation deck. The Mori Arts Center Gallery, a museum shop and a restaurant are also here. The museum’s galleries are arranged in an elliptical formation. Stairs lead up to the Sky Deck.
The museum’s first major exhibition was Happiness A Survival Guide for Art and Life. It featured artists such as Anish Kapoor and Jeff Koons. The exhibition combined contemporary installations with classic Asian art.
The Mori Art Museum collaborated with the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 2004. They presented Roppongi Crossing New Visions in Japanese Art 2004. This exhibition explored contemporary East Asian art, architecture, and design.
In 2017, the Mori Art Museum partnered with the National Art Center in Tokyo. They presented Sunshower Contemporary Art from Southeast Asia, 1980s to Now. It was the largest exhibition of contemporary Southeast Asian art to date.
The Mori Art Museum’s permanent collection includes around 460 works. These are primarily avant-garde and contemporary pieces from Japan and East Asia. The MAM Collection project showcases highlights from the museum’s collection.
The Mori Art Museum stands as a testament to Minoru Mori’s vision. It is a place where art and life intertwine. Its unique location, diverse exhibitions, and commitment to accessibility make it a must-visit destination. It offers visitors a chance to contemplate what is truly important to them.