Intermediatheque — A Museum of Curiosity at KITTE, Tokyo Station

The Intermediatheque (IMT) is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the JP TOWER KITTE building in Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Opened in 2013, it serves as a unique museum showcasing the vast academic collections of The University Museum, The University of Tokyo. Situated just a one-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station's Marunouchi South Exit, IMT offers a distinctive cultural experience within a modern commercial complex that was once the old central post office.

The museum's core mission is to share the University of Tokyo's extensive academic and cultural assets with the public. It aims to transcend the boundaries between science, art, and culture, fostering intellectual exploration and communication through diverse media. The collections, accumulated since the University Museum's establishment in 1906, range from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge scientific materials, providing a rich tapestry of human wisdom and inquiry.

Unique Exhibition Style and Diverse Collections

IMT's exhibition approach is unconventional. Instead of strict chronological or disciplinary classifications, it presents a curated blend of objects from various fields—natural history specimens, anthropological artifacts, and scientific instruments—to encourage new dialogues and inspire curiosity. This "intermedia" philosophy invites visitors to discover connections and formulate their own questions, rather than following a predetermined narrative.

The collections are remarkably diverse. Visitors encounter imposing whale skeletons, meticulously preserved birds and animals (including extinct species), and intricate anthropological crafts like masks and ornaments. Alongside these are 18th-century scientific tools, anatomical models, mineral specimens, and botanical collections, all presented in a way that highlights both their scientific significance and aesthetic appeal. This eclectic display transforms the museum into a modern-day "Wunderkammer," or cabinet of curiosities.

Atmosphere and Intellectual Engagement

The interior design of Intermediatheque evokes the ambiance of a 19th-century European university laboratory or a grand private collection. Antique wooden display cases and subdued lighting create a serene and majestic atmosphere, offering a tranquil contrast to the bustling KITTE building outside. This deliberate design choice encourages focused observation and deep contemplation.

The museum's layout promotes free exploration rather than a fixed path. This allows visitors to engage intellectually, pondering questions about the relationships between seemingly disparate objects and humanity's methods of understanding and recording the world. It is a space that stimulates intellectual curiosity and offers profound insights into the human spirit of inquiry.

Visitor Information

Intermediatheque is easily accessible and free to enter, making it an ideal destination for those seeking intellectual respite in the heart of Tokyo.

• Location: JP TOWER KITTE 2F & 3F, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
• Opened: 2013.
• Admission: Free.
• Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 - 18:00; Sunday and Public Holidays, 11:00 - 17:00. Closed on Mondays, year-end/New Year holidays, and special closures. Visitors are advised to check the official website for the latest information.
• Transportation: 1-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit, located within the KITTE building. Easily accessible from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station.
• Official Website: https://www.intermediatheque.jp