Even from the outside, it is clear that the Museum of Modern Art in Saitama is on the forefront of design innovation. Usually referred to as MOMAS, it lives in a striking gridded building designed by the famous architect Kurokawa Kisho. His inventive creation allows natural light to flood nearly every room of the museum.
Reach the museum by crossing the lush Kita-Urawa Park, which is also devoted to aesthetic presentation. Enjoy its fountain and statue designed by one of Japan’s most famous sculptors then spend hours in the innovative art collection.
See works by some of Europe’s great masters, such as Picasso and Monet, in the permanent collection. They are hung next to some of Japan’s most famous contemporary names, including Saito Yuri and Terauchi Madiro. Admire how global forces have allowed contemporary art to become a microcosm of broader cultural influences. Notice how European and Japanese artists influenced and were influenced by each other.
On the walk between rooms, pause to stare at, sit on and take pictures of the collection of chairs that are scattered all around. They are very diverse examples from some of the world’s most famous furniture design firms. Take a picture lounging on a pair of full red lips for a great vacation memento.
Spend some time in the atrium to appreciate how the design of the building itself creates interesting geometric vistas, with gray supports providing windows to the blue sky outside.
Find the Museum of Modern Art north of downtown Saitama, a 3-minute walk from the closest train station. Reach the museum in about 15 minutes by train from downtown Saitama or 45 minutes from Tokyo Station. Drive from downtown Saitama in about 10 minutes. Drive from Haneda Airport in 1 hour. Metered parking is available in a nearby covered lot, with a discount for museum-goers.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from late morning to early evening. Access the building and its facilities for free. Pay a fee for both the permanent and special exhibitions. Kita-Urawa Park is freely accessible.
