[Update, Feb 5] The Hara Museum will be closing at the end of 2020 and relocating to Hara Museum ARC in Gunma prefecture in 2021.
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Opened in Shinagawa in 1979, the Hara Museum building was originally the private estate of business tycoon Kunizo Hara, who held various posts such as chairman of Tokyo Gas and Japan Airlines. The structure is typical of the work of the architect Jin Watanabe, who also designed the former Nihon Gekijo and the main building of the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno. With influences derived from 1930s European modernist architecture, this Western-style design is valuable in itself as a record of the early Showa era. At the museum, in addition to annual exhibitions, events such as lectures, gigs and performances are held regularly, promoting new talent as well as both domestic and international modern art. Also recommended is the Café d’Art, which overlooks the courtyard of the museum – visit to catch a refreshing breeze for a moment. It’s worth checking out its quirky, changing menus.