Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum is one of the most exciting spaces to experience contemporary art not only in Tokyo, but in all of Japan. Located at a dizzying height on the 53rd floor of Mori Tower in the ultra-modern Roppongi Hills complex, it offers visitors a unique cultural experience literally "in the sky".

Founded in 2003 by developer Minoru Mori, the museum has no permanent collection in the traditional sense, focusing instead on large-scale temporary exhibitions. Here you can see works by global stars like Yayoi Kusama, Ai Weiwei, or Anish Kapoor. The museum's collection includes about 490 works, with an emphasis on talents from the Asia-Pacific region.

An innovative approach to curating makes this place accessible to the widest audience—from seasoned critics to families with children. In addition to the exhibition halls, the museum is part of the Mori Arts Center, which combines a gallery, a cozy café, and the famous Tokyo City View observation deck, offering one of the best panoramic views of the Japanese capital.

When planning your visit to the Mori Art Museum, it's worth checking the current contact methods and official resources in advance. Since exhibition schedules and special events can affect access to the galleries, we recommend confirming information before your trip.

Below are the main contact details to help you find your way and, if necessary, contact the museum administration in Tokyo.

Something unusual is always happening at the Mori Art Museum: from provocative installations to deep dives into design and fashion. Visitors should look out for the MAM Collection program, which features works from the museum's own holdings, as well as MAM Screen—a dedicated area for contemporary video art. Every exhibition here is a full visual adventure, often accompanied by interactive elements.

One of the museum's standout features is its late opening hours—on most days, the doors are open until 10:00 PM. This makes it an ideal spot for evening leisure after a busy day in the Roppongi district. Be sure to take advantage of the combo ticket that includes entry to the Tokyo City View observation deck: this way, you can pair a dose of high art with an unforgettable view of the sparkling lights of Tokyo.

For those who want to dive deeper into context, the museum regularly hosts lectures, performances, and the Roppongi Crossing triennial, dedicated to the current Japanese art scene. To finish your visit, stop by the museum shop for exclusive souvenirs or relax in the restaurant with a panoramic view to discuss the exhibits you've seen.

Finding the Mori Art Museum is easy—it crowns the famous Mori Tower in the heart of the Minato district. The exact address is: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 53rd floor, 6-10-1 Roppongi. The most convenient way to get here is by subway: you need Roppongi station. Exit 1C on the Hibiya Line will lead you directly to the foot of the complex in just a couple of minutes, while the walk from the Oedo Line station takes no more than 5 minutes.

If you are coming from central Tokyo districts such as Shibuya or Ginza, the trip by public transport will take only 10–15 minutes. The Roppongi area is also well-served by taxis and city buses. For those who prefer private transport, the Roppongi Hills complex provides extensive parking, and the building itself is surrounded by many signs to ensure you don't get lost.

The history of the Mori Art Museum is inextricably linked to the creation of the ambitious Roppongi Hills mega-complex. The project, which took Minoru Mori 17 years to complete, was envisioned as a "city within a city" where culture and art are central elements of daily life. Opening in October 2003, the museum at the top of the skyscraper became the embodiment of this utopian idea.

The architectural design of the space was entrusted to the famous Richard Gluckman. His task was to create modern galleries within a corporate tower while maintaining an atmosphere of openness and dialogue. The very first exhibition, titled "Happiness: A Survival Guide for Art and Life", set a high bar, attracting an incredible 750,000 visitors and blending Asian classics with contemporary trends.

Over the years, under the leadership of experts like David Elliott and Fumio Nanjo, the museum has become a key player on the global art scene. In 2015, following the death of its founder, the complex underwent a major renovation, updating its programs for even closer integration with global artistic processes. Today, the museum's international advisory board includes representatives from major institutions such as MoMA and the Centre Pompidou.

For a thoughtful tour of the current exhibitions at the Mori Art Museum, most travelers need about 2–3 hours. This is plenty of time to get acquainted with the main theme of the exhibition, watch video works as part of the MAM Screen program, and explore the smaller galleries with the collection. If you plan to visit the museum in the evening, the peaceful atmosphere at this height encourages more leisurely contemplation.

If you decide to combine your visit with a trip to the Tokyo City View observation deck, a break in the café, and a stroll through the Roppongi Hills complex itself, you should set aside at least 4 hours or an entire evening. There can be queues for particularly large "blockbuster" exhibitions, so it's best to have a little extra time to spare.

The Mori Art Museum is famous for its convenient schedule, allowing you to see art even late in the evening. On Mondays, and from Wednesday to Sunday, the galleries are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please note Tuesday—on this day, the museum usually closes earlier, at 5:00 PM.

Last entry to the museum is 30 minutes before closing. However, opening hours may change depending on specific exhibitions or public holidays in Japan, so we strongly recommend checking for current information on the official website before your visit.

A museum visit is just part of what the dynamic Roppongi district has to offer. After immersing yourself in contemporary art, be sure to take a stroll through the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills complex itself, which is a true architectural masterpiece with many shops and restaurants. Just a few steps away is the famous Tokyo City View deck, offering a breathtaking overview of the city.

Exploring the surroundings of Mori Tower will allow you to see a contrasting Tokyo: from gleaming skyscrapers to cozy designer spaces. Combining high culture with visits to places like the Roppongi Museum will make your day truly fulfilling.