The Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum near the top of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, one of Tokyo's best known skyscrapers. It opened in 2003 and is known for ambitious temporary exhibitions of Japanese and international artists, often with an Asian focus. Because the museum shares its floor level with the Tokyo City View observation deck, a visit combines new art with one of the best views over the city, and it opens late on most days.
Why visit the Mori Art Museum
Unlike many large museums, the Mori Art Museum does not have permanent galleries of a fixed collection. Instead it runs a programme of major exhibitions that change several times a year, from large solo shows of established artists to group exhibitions on architecture, design and social themes. A series of smaller shows highlights emerging artists. This means every visit is different, and it is worth checking what is on before you go.
The setting adds to the experience. You take an express lift from the base of the tower, and the galleries sit high above the city. Some exhibitions have even used the views as part of the work.
Getting to the Mori Art Museum by metro
The nearest station is Roppongi on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. The Hibiya Line station has a direct connection into the Roppongi Hills complex, and from there signs lead to the museum entrance. Allow a few minutes to find the ticket area and lifts, which are not on the street level of the tower.
- The Toei Oedo Line also stops at Roppongi, a short walk further from Roppongi Hills.
- Azabu-juban, on the Namboku and Oedo lines, is a walk of around 10 minutes downhill from the complex.
- The Hibiya Line links Roppongi directly with Ginza, Tsukiji and Ueno.
Mori Art Museum tickets and opening hours
The Mori Art Museum charges admission, and tickets are commonly sold in combination with Tokyo City View, the indoor observation deck. Weekend and holiday prices may differ from weekday prices, and booking online in advance can be cheaper or save waiting. Access to the open-air Sky Deck on the roof, when it is open, is usually an extra charge and can close in bad weather.
The museum is known for staying open into the evening on most days, which is unusual in Tokyo, though one day of the week typically closes earlier. Between exhibitions the galleries close for installation, so check the official Mori Art Museum website for current exhibitions, ticket prices and hours before you go.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Evenings are a good choice. The galleries are calmer after the daytime crowds, and you can finish with the city lights from Tokyo City View. Popular exhibitions are busiest on weekends and in their final weeks. Allow one and a half to two hours for an exhibition and the observation deck.
On clear winter days, the view from the deck can reach as far as Mount Fuji, though this depends on the weather.
Highlights of a visit
The exhibitions
The main draw is the current exhibition. Large shows often include installations, video and immersive works that use the high-ceilinged galleries well.
Tokyo City View
The indoor observation deck wraps around the tower and looks over the city in every direction, including Tokyo Tower nearby.
Maman
At the foot of Mori Tower stands Louise Bourgeois's giant spider sculpture, Maman, one of the most photographed public artworks in Tokyo. It is free to see.
Public art around Roppongi Hills
Sculptures and street furniture by artists and designers are scattered around the complex. Look out for them as you walk.
Nearby on the same stop
- The National Art Center, Tokyo: a large exhibition space with a wavy glass facade, a short walk away.
- Tokyo Midtown: home to the Suntory Museum of Art and 21_21 Design Sight, with a park behind it.
- Mohri Garden: a small Japanese garden with a pond inside Roppongi Hills.
- Azabu-juban: a neighbourhood shopping street with long-running food shops, downhill from the complex.
Find more around this station on the Mori Art Museum page, or explore the Tokyo metro map.