Intermediatheque – A Space for Intellectual Play Beyond Time and Space: The Ecstasy of Science and Art Presented by The University Museum, The University of Tokyo and KITTE

The moment you step out of Tokyo Station's Marunouchi South Exit, you are already embarking on the prelude to a journey through time. The venerable grandeur of Tokyo Station's majestic red brick building stands opposite the modern cultural complex, KITTE. On the second and third floors of this building, a treasure trove of imagination, Intermediatheque (IMT), breathes, offering free admission. KITTE, reborn from the skeleton of the old Tokyo Central Post Office, boasts an architectural charm where past and present coexist, and IMT is its most shining jewel. This multidisciplinary exhibition space, which reinterprets valuable academic specimens and research instruments collected by The University of Tokyo over decades, if not centuries, not merely as 'exhibits' but as 'artworks', offers an intellectual playground that transcends the boundaries of science and art.

A Space Where the Breath of the Past Lives: The Aesthetics of Specimens Stimulating the Senses

The moment you open the doors to Intermediatheque, you might feel as though you have been instantly transported to a grand natural history museum in 19th-century Europe. The mysterious atmosphere created by antique wooden cabinets, glass display cases, and carefully dimmed lighting naturally encourages visitors to tread carefully. In the stillness, a faint scent of old paper and wood wafts through the air, and the gentle solemnity pervading the entire space allows one to feel the sublimity of scientific inquiry with their whole being.

The first thing that captivates your gaze is the colossal skeletal remains of a sperm whale, suspended diagonally from the ceiling. The shadow cast by this enormous creature's bones adds majestic depth to the space, recalling the magnificent presence that once roamed the oceans millions of years ago. Faced with its overwhelming scale, humans are filled with awe for the greatness of nature and the infinitude of time. As if just recovered from the deep abyss, its skeleton offers every visitor an opportunity for profound contemplation.

In the subsequent display cases, bird and insect pin specimens, imbued with the very breath of Victorian naturalists, are arranged like jewels. Delicately taxidermied birds present a noble posture as if alive, and thousands of butterflies and beetles, with their distinct colors and patterns, form perfect geometric arrays, captivating the eye. The curators here have rearranged these specimens, moving beyond academic classification to focus on visual beauty and the aesthetics of arrangement. They are not merely subjects of biological study but fully reveal their value as abstract artworks gifted by nature. As if a modern reinterpretation of a 'Wunderkammer' or cabinet of curiosities, every specimen here whispers its own story, offering an experience where the boundaries between science and art become blurred.

Old physics experiment equipment, meticulously drawn globes, and anatomical models that explored the mysteries of the human body are also key exhibits here. Amidst rusted brass, worn wood, and faded colors, we can glimpse the fervent spirit of inquiry possessed by 19th-century European scientists. All these relics are not merely remnants of the past, but traces of humanity's ceaseless efforts to expand the horizons of knowledge, and in themselves, are beautiful sculptures shaped by time.

Science and Art, Breaking Down Barriers: An Aesthetic Exploration of the 'Intermedia' Realm

The biggest reason Intermediatheque differentiates itself from other natural history museums lies in its innovative artistic approach to exhibition. The curators here do not confine themselves to academic classifications and explanations but focus on maximizing the inherent visual and sensory beauty of the specimens. A colossal mammalian skeleton feels like an abstract sculpture dominating the space, while rows of insect specimens appear as intricate pattern art or delicate mosaic works. Each specimen not only contains scientific information but also becomes an object that poses aesthetic questions in its own right.

As the name 'intermedia' suggests, IMT is a space that breaks down the boundaries between science and art, education and appreciation, creating new meanings. It goes beyond simply imparting knowledge to visitors, offering a new perspective to understand the world by discovering the aesthetic value hidden within scientific facts. The vast collection held by The University Museum, The University of Tokyo, becomes a catalyst here, instilling history, philosophy, and artistic inspiration. This endeavor challenges the role of contemporary art museums and can be seen as a pioneering model that suggests the future direction for museums.

Tips for Completing Your Intellectual Journey: Pleasures Beyond Intermediatheque

Intermediatheque operates free of charge, so we highly recommend visiting if you are in Tokyo. Rather than the crowded weekend, visiting on a weekday morning will allow you to enjoy a more tranquil and immersive experience. Its accessibility is also excellent, as it is located within the KITTE building, directly connected to Tokyo Station's Marunouchi South Exit.

After your visit to IMT, explore the charm of the KITTE building itself. As its name, derived from the Japanese word for 'postage stamp' and also 'come and visit us', suggests, KITTE is a space that modernly reinterprets the unique architectural beauty of the old Tokyo Central Post Office building. In particular, the grand atrium in the center of the building is considered one of Tokyo's most beautiful indoor spaces. Under the natural light pouring through the glass ceiling, the view overlooking Tokyo Station's platforms and the historic red brick building from the open courtyard creates a picturesque spectacle in itself. The rooftop garden, 'KITTE Garden', offers a prime photo spot to capture the magnificent panorama of Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi skyscraper forest at a glance.

Within the KITTE building, various restaurants and cafes offer diverse culinary experiences. From traditional Japanese cuisine to modern bistros and cozy cafes, there are plenty of options to satisfy your hunger or take a short break after your visit. In particular, the 'KITTE Granshef' on the basement floor provides an excellent opportunity to taste specialty dishes and desserts from various regions of Japan. The Marunouchi area around Tokyo Station is lined with upscale shopping streets and sophisticated restaurants, allowing you to fully enjoy Tokyo's urban aesthetics just by taking a stroll. If you wish to walk a bit further, the Imperial Palace East Garden or the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum are also excellent choices.

Intermediatheque, an Invitation to Awaken Your Senses

Intermediatheque is not just a museum. It is a crossroads where the history of scientific inquiry and artistic beauty intersect, a realm of intellectual play where past and present, reason and emotion merge to offer new insights. If you seek to momentarily escape the bustle of Tokyo, stimulate your intellectual curiosity, and find inspiration, Intermediatheque will provide a special experience that exceeds your expectations. We strongly recommend you personally feel the unspoken stories told by scientific artifacts and the artistic emotion blossoming within them in this captivating space.