The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum — A Shirokanedai Art Deco Gem

The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, located at 5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo, is a unique institution where the building and its gardens are central to the visitor experience. Originally built in 1933 as the residence for Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, it stands as a prime example of Art Deco architecture in Japan. The museum is easily accessible, approximately a 6-7 minute walk from Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyu Meguro Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Mita Line).

The museum's main building showcases the Art Deco style that Prince Asaka and his wife admired during their stay in Paris from 1925 to 1928. After serving various roles post-WWII, including the Prime Minister's residence and a state guesthouse, it was repurposed and opened as a public art museum in 1983, preserving its architectural and historical significance.

Art Deco Origins and Design

The design of the Asaka-no-miya Palace was a collaborative effort. Gonkurō Kudō, an architect from the Imperial Household Agency, was responsible for the overall architectural plan, integrating Art Deco principles with Japanese sensibilities. The interior design was meticulously crafted by Henri Rapin, a prominent Parisian Art Deco designer, who unified the aesthetics across various elements like glasswork, lighting, and carpets.

Notable European Art Deco artists also contributed to the residence. The entrance hall features a stunning glass relief titled Goddesses by René Lalique, while the main dining room boasts intricate glass windows by Max Ingrand. These elements provide rare examples of original European Art Deco craftsmanship within Japan, highlighting the palace's artistic value.

Museum Evolution and Spaces

In 2014, the museum expanded with the addition of a New Wing, connected to the historic main building by a skybridge. This modern extension provides contemporary exhibition spaces, primarily hosting special exhibitions focused on decorative arts, design, and crafts. This allows the museum to present a broader range of artistic expressions while preserving the integrity of the original Art Deco residence.

The museum grounds span approximately 25,000 square meters and feature both Western-style lawn gardens and traditional Japanese stroll gardens, complete with a teahouse. These diverse garden landscapes offer a tranquil escape and are particularly popular during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, providing a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural grandeur.

Highlights and Visitor Information

Key areas to explore include the Entrance Hall with Lalique's Goddesses relief, the Main Dining Room and Salon showcasing Henri Rapin's hand-painted murals and original lighting, and the second-floor private rooms. These private quarters offer a unique blend of Japanese traditional crafts, such as silver-plated walls and lacquer doors, with French decorative arts, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the royal couple.

The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30) and is closed on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Admission for adults is 1,300 yen, with special exhibition tickets typically around 1,400 yen. Photography restrictions apply inside the main residence. Visitors often spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the residence and gardens. Combining a visit with the adjacent National Museum of Nature and Science Institute for Nature Study is recommended for a full day immersed in nature and history.