Gazing upon the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery you are struck by the grand dome. This gallery is more than just a building. It is a time capsule holding pivotal moments of Japan’s transformation.
The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery stands in Meiji Jingu Outer Garden in Tokyo. It commemorates Emperor Meiji’s life. The gallery opened in 1926. It was built on the site of his funeral. The Meiji Shrine administers it. The shrine was built to venerate the late emperor.
Inside the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery eighty large paintings await. Forty are in Japanese style called Nihonga. The other half are in Western style known as Yoga. They depict events from Emperor Meiji’s reign from 1867 to 1912. Each painting tells a story. They showcase milestones in Japan’s modernization.
The selection of painting topics started in 1916. Eighty-five possible subjects were chosen. The final eighty were approved in 1922.
Consider the scale. Each picture is about 3 meters by 2.5 meters. Together they stretch almost 250 meters. They are sometimes called murals due to this scale.
The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery building itself is significant. Kobayashi Masatsugu designed it. Construction started in 1919. It was completed in 1926. The Great Kanto earthquake temporarily stopped the work. The scaffolding sheltered victims. Around 6400 people were accommodated.
The gallery is made of reinforced concrete. It extends 112 meters east to west. It reaches 32 meters high at the dome. The outer walls feature Mannari granite. Copper sheeting covers much of the roof.
Inside, the central hall is spacious. It has marble from different prefectures. The floor is marble and mosaic tile. The two painting galleries open to the sides. The Nihonga are on the right. The Yoga are on the left.
The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery is an Important Cultural Property. This is due to its design and construction. The shell dome and lighting are especially noted. Natural light illuminates the painting galleries from above.
The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery faced challenges. It closed in 1944 because of the war. US forces requisitioned it until 1952. In 2005, workers found 2200 glass plates from its construction.
Visiting the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s history. It showcases art and architecture. It is a testament to Emperor Meiji’s era. The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission is at 4:30 p.m. The entrance fee is 500 yen. Photography is not permitted inside.