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Celebrating a Century: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

From November 19, 2026, to January 11, 2027, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will host a significant exhibition titled "100th Anniversary of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum: Ways of Reading—How the World Speaks to Us, How We Speak to the World". This exhibition is the grand finale of the centennial celebrations of the museum and aims to explore various interpretations of artistic works and their capacity for dialogue with the world.

A Historical Overview of the Museum

Founded in May 1926, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum was the first public art museum in Japan. Now, nearly a century later, it desires to honor its ongoing mission: to provide a place for self-reflection and deeper connections with the world through creativity and coexistence. This year's exhibition emphasizes the theme of "dialogues with the world" through five prominent artists who each bring unique perspectives.

Engaging with Art

The act of reading art is described as an active endeavor, pushing into unknown territories to sharpen senses and deepen understanding. The exhibition features works from five eminent artists: Alberto Giacometti, Bikky Sunazawa, Shuntaro Tanikawa, Elena Tutatchikova, and Momo Yamanishi. Attendees can explore various ways of "reading" art—through light, time, words, nature, and even embodying the art.

Key Highlights of the Exhibition

1. A Diverse Array of Works
The exhibition presents a fascinating array, intersecting various eras and genres. Works by the renowned 20th-century sculptor Alberto Giacometti, the burgeoning artist Momo Yamanishi, prominent poet Shuntaro Tanikawa, and others create a rich tapestry of sound and meaning, inviting all who enter to engage in art's multifaceted dialogue.

2. A Theme Fit for a Century of Art
Centrally themed around the idea of "touching new values, self-examination, and deepening connections with the world", this exhibition serves as a meaningful reflection of the museum's century-long journey. Visitors will find numerous opportunities for gaining fresh perspectives on how to "read the world" through the artists' varied dialogues.

3. Premiering New Works
Elena Tutatchikova will showcase entirely new ceramic works, including a series titled "Islands". Momo Yamanishi’s pinhole photographs, taken during a visit to Nepal in December 2025, will also be featured, including new pieces that blend the fossil of an ammonite with glass.

Artist Spotlights

Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966)

Known for his slender human figures, Giacometti captured profound dialogues with light in his sculptures. His Atelier in Paris was iconic for its transformation under light, marking an eternal struggle between creation and destruction.

Bikky Sunazawa (1931-1989)

Rooted in the challenging climate of Hokkaido, Sunazawa's works explore the relationship between nature and self through intricate wooden sculptures, revealing a hint of sanctity and engaging in a dialogue with the forests around him.

Shuntaro Tanikawa (1931-2024)

A poet and photographer, Tanikawa's early works will be displayed, emphasizing the connection between words, images, and sound that led him to explore the world and engage in creative conversations through multiple mediums.

Elena Tutatchikova (1984-present)

Her work reflects a cycle of thought, imagination, and bodily experiences, presenting the act of walking as a significant element of creation and expression.

Momo Yamanishi (1995-present)

Engaged in exploring the relationship between time and medium, Yamanishi’s works combine the ancient with the modern, revealing the delicate interplay between evolution and perception.

Exhibition Details

• - Event Name: 100th Anniversary of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum: Ways of Reading
• - Dates: November 19, 2026 – January 11, 2027
• - Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Galleries A & C
• - Closed: December 7, December 21–January 3, 2027
• - Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Fridays until 8:00 PM)
• - Admission: Free
• - Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, The Tokyo Foundation for History and Culture
• - More Information: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

As we approach the 100-year mark, this exhibition not only showcases the talents of these five artists but also serves as a platform for visitors to embark on their journey of discovery through art. The key to unlocking new worlds lies within each individual's engagement with the artworks on display, promising a unique experience reflective of the museum's enduring legacy.