The Yayoi Kusama Museum: An Artist's Vision in Tokyo

The Yayoi Kusama Museum, located at 107 Bentencho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, is a unique institution established by the world-renowned contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama herself. Opened in October 2017, it stands as the only museum in Tokyo named after an artist that was founded by the artist during her lifetime. This five-story white cube building, designed in close collaboration with Kume Sekkei, is nestled in a quiet residential area, offering a serene contrast to the vibrant art within.

Architectural Design and Interior Journey

The museum's exterior is a simple, clean white cube, a deliberate choice to highlight the explosion of color and pattern inside. Kusama's signature elements—dots, water drops, and mirrors—are subtly integrated into the space. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a large 'Pumpkin' sculpture on the first floor, an iconic symbol of Kusama's work and a popular spot for photographs. The museum's design emphasizes functionality and simplicity, ensuring that the focus remains on the art.

Exhibition Highlights Across Five Floors

• 1F: Entrance and Iconic Pumpkin: The ticket counter and a prominent 'Pumpkin' sculpture, setting the tone for the artistic journey. Photography is permitted here.
• 2F: Painting Gallery: Features rotating exhibitions of Kusama's representative painting series, including 'My Eternal Soul' and 'Infinity Nets,' spanning from her 1960s New York period to recent works.
• 3F: Drawings and Small Works: A dedicated space showcasing a rare collection of Kusama's smaller works, from her childhood sketches to pieces created in her nineties, offering insight into her artistic evolution.
• 4F: Infinity Mirrored Room: The museum's most sought-after experience. This immersive installation changes with each exhibition session. Visits are strictly timed, typically around one minute per person, to ensure an intimate and impactful experience.
• 5F: Rooftop Outdoor Installation: An open-air space featuring large-scale sculptures, often a pumpkin or 'Dots Obsession' piece, offering views of the surrounding Shinjuku residential area.

Visiting Information and Tips

The museum operates on a timed-entry system, with tickets available for 90-minute slots. Actual visit duration is typically 1 to 1.5 hours. Advance online reservation is mandatory, and tickets for the upcoming three months are released on the first day of each month at 10:00 AM JST via the official website (English site available). The museum is accessible by public transport, approximately a 6-minute walk from Ushigome-yanagicho Station (Toei Oedo Line) or a 7-minute walk from Waseda Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line).

Photography is allowed in designated areas, but strictly limited in the 'Infinity Mirrored Room' to about one shot per person. Given its location in a quiet residential part of Shinjuku, visitors are encouraged to combine their museum visit with a stroll through the charming Kagurazaka alleyways nearby, enhancing the overall Tokyo experience. The museum's exhibition content, especially the Infinity Mirrored Room, rotates twice a year, providing a strong incentive for repeat visits to explore the breadth of Kusama's artistic journey and continuous experimentation.