Within 2 min’s walking distance from Tokyo Sta.! 3 recommended museums at restored or reused historical buildings in Marunouchi

Located close to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi area has a sophisticated landscape like Europe’s and is draped by an elegant and calm atmosphere. Japan’s first office building, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Building, was built in 1894 and Japan’s largest building containing commercial facility in ones built around 1920s, Marunouchi Building, did in 1923, and then, it has developed as the economic center of Japan. This time, we’re going to introduce 3 museums located at restored or reused historical buildings from among ones built between 1890s and 1930s.

Tokyo Station is just one station from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line.

“Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum” -restoring Japan’s first office building built perfectly in 1890s

“Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum’ is a restored building of ‘Mitsubishi Ichigokan Building’ designed by British architect Josiah Condor, who led modern architecture in Japan. As we mentioned at the beginning, it’s Japan’s first office building and features its red brick exterior related to the westernization of Japan. Here, special exhibitions, mainly modern art from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, are held about third times a year. Pay attention to ornately carved pillars and doorknobs made of brass, gas lamps with restored cocks to control the amount of gas, stone step stairs using materials used in 1890s and so on. In addition, why not stop by at ‘Café 1894’ that used to be a room for Sales Department? They offer dishes collaborating with exhibitions.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 6:00PM　Closed on Monday and year-end holiday, 1st January, and while exhibitions are being changed *Except when Monday is a national holiday or final week of exhibitions.
Address	2-6-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 2-minute walk from Tokyo Station
URL	https://mimt.jp/english/

“Tokyo Station Gallery” reminiscent of what Tokyo Station Building used to be at the time of its construction

Built in 1914, Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building has “Tokyo Station Gallery” near Marunouchi North Gate on the 2nd and 3rd floor. It extends along the dome-shaped ceiling with the Japanese zodiac relief. The current building was restored after WWⅡ, however, this museum leaves the bricks, steel frames and structure in the same condition as its construction. In particular, don’t miss looking at the octagonal spiral staircase that geometrically swirls and is illuminated by sunlight shining from round stained glass! As you go up the stairs, you can clearly see the difference between the original structure of the lower floors and the restored part of the 3rd floor. You’re sure to feel as if you’re traveling into the past just by moving in such spase. Moreover, this gallery displays masterpieces of modern art and holds exhibitions with a wide variety of themes such as architecture and railway.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 6:00PM　Closed on Monday, New Year’s Holidays and while exhibitions are being changed *It opens if Monday is a public holiday and final week of exhibitions, Obon holiday and during a collection of national holidays in May.
Address	1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 1-minute walk from Tokyo Station
URL	http://www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery/english/

“INTERMEDIATHEQUE” filled with antique and artistic exhibits collected by the University of Tokyo over 100 years

Reference from GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2013

Located opposite Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building that we mentioned, a shopping complex ‘KITTE’ with pure white tiles was renovated in 2012 while leaving some parts of ‘Tokyo Central Post Office’ built in 1933. The inside of the building is a triangular colonnade, and the octagonal pillars and beams that support one wall were used in the former building. Such KITTE has a new-style museum “INTERMEDIATHEQUE” on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Here, what the University of Tokyo has collected since its open, 1887, such as stuffed animals and specimens, bills and stones are line up. Especially, specimens of crocodiles and whales and a large globe look like artworks. In addition, the furniture that houses the exhibits is also attractive. You can feel a long history of them because all of them are used before WWⅡat the university. The admission fee is free, so why not stop by here while shopping?

Opening Hours	11:00AM – 6:00PM　Closed on Monday and New Year’s Holidays ※If Monday is a public holiday, it’s closed on next day. ※Its closed day may vary on account of the museum.
Address	KITTE 2-3F, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 2-minute walk from Tokyo Station
URL	http://www.intermediatheque.jp/en