The National Museum of Modern Art – or ‘MOMAT’ – opened in 1952 and was at the time, Japan’s first national art museum. Today, it houses over 13,000 artworks by Japanese and international artists. Showcasing works from the Meiji Period (1869-1912) until today, the museum provides insight into the influence the West has had on Japanese art.

Around 200 artworks are on display at any one time with several ‘Important Cultural Properties’ within the collection. Renovated in 2012, exhibitions still tend toward older style displays that will likely fail to capture the imagination of some visitors despite of the importance of the collection.

Yet just as many visitors thoroughly enjoy the museum and given its proximity to nearby Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, a visit to the museum can be easily combined with other destinations in central Tokyo.