Idemitsu Museum of Arts

Envision a world-class art collection amassed over 70 years. This is the legacy of Sazō Idemitsu, founder of Idemitsu Kosan, and the heart of the Idemitsu Museum of Arts. Right here in the Marunouchi area, the Idemitsu Museum of Arts showcases this incredible collection. The museum opened in 1966, nestled within the Imperial Theater Building. It offers a serene escape with stunning views of the Imperial Palace Garden. The Idemitsu Museum of Arts is more than just a building; it’s a testament to Idemitsu’s passion. He dedicated decades to acquiring remarkable pieces of Japanese and East Asian art. The collection boasts an impressive array of Japanese paintings, calligraphy, and East Asian ceramics. You can also find modern works by artists like Misai Kosugi and Itaya Hazan. Surprisingly, the collection also features Western paintings by renowned artists like Georges Rouault and Sam Francis. The Idemitsu Museum of Arts is particularly proud of its collection of Edo period paintings. In 2019, the museum acquired 190 works from American collectors Joe and Etsuko Price. These include masterpieces like Itō Jakuchū’s “Birds and Animals in the Flower Garden” and Maruyama Ōkyo’s “Tiger.” These acquisitions further solidified the museum’s reputation as a premier destination for Japanese art. Among the 15,000 cultural properties held by the Idemitsu Museum of Arts are two National Treasures and 57 Important Cultural Properties. One of the most notable treasures is the Ban Dainagon Ekotoba, a significant piece of Japanese art history. While the Idemitsu Museum of Arts currently faces a temporary closure due to building renovations, its legacy endures. Upon its reopening, visitors will once again be able to experience the breadth and depth of this extraordinary collection.