21_21 Design Sight

Unclaimed

One of the youngest Tokyo galleries, established in March 2007 is the collaboration of fashion designer Issey Miyake and architect Tadao Ando. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT hosts a variety of exhibitions that cover diverse aspects of design, including graphic, industrial, fashion, and architectural design. Depending on the exhibition the place can get pretty crowded, so if you can get there on weekday. Place is not that big so expect to spend here 1h to 1.5h. If your cup of coffee is design I would fully recommend this one - while it may be less known than Mori or Nezu it is still worth visiting ❤️

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, located in Tokyo Midtown’s Roppongi district, is a captivating destination for design enthusiasts and architecture admirers. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with fashion designer Issey Miyake, the museum seamlessly integrates into its surroundings with a minimalist aesthetic. The building features a distinctive folded steel roof inspired by Miyake’s “A Piece of Cloth” concept, and much of its structure is thoughtfully submerged underground to harmonize with the landscape .   Inside, the museum offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, with natural light filtering through expansive glass panels, highlighting the interplay of shadows and space. The exhibitions, though not extensive in size, are thoughtfully curated, focusing on various aspects of design and often featuring works by prominent designers and artists. For instance, past exhibitions have included retrospectives on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped,” providing visitors with in-depth insights into the creative process .  Admission is priced at ¥1,600 for adults, which some visitors find steep given the relatively compact exhibition space . However, many agree that the unique architectural experience and the quality of the exhibitions justify the cost. The museum’s commitment to exploring the potential of design in enriching daily life resonates throughout its programs and installations.  In conclusion, while 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT may not offer expansive galleries, its architectural brilliance and the depth of its exhibitions make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in contemporary design and architecture. The museum stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating meaningful cultural experiences. 

Favourite art gallery in Tokyo. Design and architecture forward exhibitions. I loved the recent ramen bowl exhibition and ten years ago, loved the exhibition on “Zakka”.

"Oh, the museum's right here?" 21_21 Design Sight is tucked into Hinokicho Park and easy to just walk by. It looks so small, but it actually goes underground and has a lot to show off (maybe 30-45 minutes of material). Both the free and paid exhibitions are rotating, but at the time we saw "The Art of Ramen" (paid) and "The Eye of Gio Ponti" (free). The larger ramen side is a full-on exhibit designed with visual, aural, and kinetic experiences, as well as a drawing activity for kids. Their inspirations are very clear, with the brutalist inspired architecture and the fairly minimalist merchandise. I'm very impressed by their merchandise and while I am deterred by the price, they are very nice items.

Amazing museum, well taken care of. Went to a temporary exhibition about the art of ramen. Great for design lovers (and lovers of ramen). Eye for detail and very informative explanation signs. Everything was clearly written in English (besides Japanese)