Yokohama Museum of Art

The Yokohama Museum of Art (Yokohama Bijutsukan) is one of Japan's leading modern and contemporary art institutions, situated at the gateway to the Minato Mirai district in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Opened in 1989, the building was designed by the acclaimed architect Kenzo Tange in a post-modern style that draws on classical Japanese architectural proportions. The wide granite facade and central atrium create a dignified entry sequence that prepares visitors for the collection within.

The permanent collection numbers approximately 13,500 works, with particular strength in European modern art from the late 19th century onwards, Japanese post-war art, and photography. Key holdings include works by Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Giorgio de Chirico, along with a substantial collection of 20th-century Japanese paintings, sculptures, and avant-garde works. The museum's photography collection, encompassing documentary, fine-art, and Japanese postwar photography, is among the most comprehensive in the country and forms the basis for a dedicated photography gallery.

The special exhibition programme brings internationally significant temporary shows to Yokohama. Blockbuster exhibitions have included major surveys of Impressionism, Japanese fashion and design, and contemporary Asian art. These shows attract significant visitor numbers, and online booking is strongly recommended for high-profile weekends. The museum also maintains an art cinema (Art Graphy) screening art-related films and documentaries, with a programme separate from the main galleries.

The museum is a 5-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station (Minatomirai Line) and sits within a natural walking loop connecting to Yokohama Landmark Tower, Cosmo World, and the waterfront promenade. Permanent collection galleries are open daily except Thursdays.