8th road in Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo near starting point with view south from Shintoshin pedestrian bridge, showing SOMPO Museum, Kogakuin University and Cocoon Tower

Sompo Museum Of Art

Sompo Museum of Art Tokyo: Visiting Hours, Tickets, Exhibitions & Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s dynamic Shinjuku district, the Sompo Museum of Art stands as a beacon of cultural and architectural innovation. Since its original opening in 1976 as Japan’s first high-rise art museum, and especially after its relocation to a new six-story building in 2020, the museum has solidified its reputation as one of Tokyo’s premier art destinations. Famed for housing Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”—the only version on permanent display in Asia—alongside masterpieces by Seiji Togo, Cézanne, Gauguin, and contemporary Japanese artists, the Sompo Museum offers visitors a rich, immersive journey through both Western and Japanese modern art (Sompo Museum History; Parametric Architecture).

This comprehensive guide covers essential information for planning your visit: opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, collection highlights, current and upcoming exhibitions, educational programs, architectural features, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a student, or a traveler seeking Tokyo’s historical sites, the Sompo Museum of Art is a must-visit cultural gem (Sompo Museum Concept).

Sompo Museum of Art building in Tokyo Japan

SOMPO Museum building near Fukutoshin pedestrian bridge in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo with adjacent roads Fukutoshin Route 8 and Ome Kaido

Discover the Museum: A Tokyo Cultural Landmark
Origins and Development
Architectural Vision and Design
Collection Highlights
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Educational & Community Engagement
Visitor Experience & Facilities
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Museum Shop & Resources
Summary & Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Discover the Museum: A Tokyo Cultural Landmark

Located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, the Sompo Museum of Art is easily accessible and surrounded by some of Tokyo’s most iconic sites, including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The museum’s mission is to bridge East and West, offering a comprehensive view of global art history and contemporary practice (Time Out Tokyo; Wikipedia).

Origins and Development

Originally founded in 1976 atop the Sompo Japan headquarters as the Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art, the museum honored the legacy of painter Seiji Togo. In 2020, it reopened in a purpose-built, six-story facility in Nishi-Shinjuku, providing state-of-the-art exhibition spaces and enhanced accessibility (Japan Cultural Expo; Sompo Museum History). The new building’s design is inspired by Togo’s art, with flowing curves and a steel-plated exterior that stands out in the urban landscape (Parametric Architecture).

Architectural Vision and Design

Exterior

The museum’s façade features vertical welded steel plates, echoing the brushwork of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and motifs in Togo’s paintings. The building incorporates a 16-meter-wide glass wall, blurring the boundary between the museum and the city, and drawing in natural light (Parametric Architecture).

Interior

Inside, five exhibition floors are organized for smooth visitor flow. The lower levels offer a welcoming entrance hall, museum shop, and rest area with warm wooden accents. Upper floors feature minimalist, flexible galleries supporting both permanent and rotating exhibitions (Sompo Museum Concept). Accessibility and wayfinding are prioritized throughout.

Sustainability

Designed with environmental sustainability in mind, the museum utilizes energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and climate controls to preserve its collections and minimize ecological impact (Sompo Museum Concept).

Collection Highlights

Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”

The museum’s most famous treasure is Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” (1888), acquired in 1987 for a then-record price and the only version on permanent display in Asia (Wikipedia; SoraNews24). Displayed in a specially designed gallery, it draws art lovers from around the world.

Seiji Togo and Japanese Modern Art

A major focus is the work of Seiji Togo, who introduced Western painting techniques to Japanese art. Over 200 of his pieces are on display, reflecting his influence on the nation’s artistic evolution (Sompo Museum History).

Impressionists & Post-Impressionists

The museum holds masterworks by Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Grandma Moses, showcasing the breadth of Western modern art (Sompo Japan CSR).

Japanese Art: From Ukiyo-e to Contemporary

From Edo-period ukiyo-e woodblock prints and Nihonga paintings to contemporary works by Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami, the collection bridges tradition and innovation.

Sculpture & Multimedia

A variety of sculptures and installations expand the museum’s artistic reach, reflecting contemporary trends in both Japanese and international art.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM). Closed Mondays (or next day if Monday is a holiday) and during exhibition changes (Sompo Museum of Art).
Tickets: Admission varies by exhibition (typically 500–1,000 yen). Students through high school enjoy free admission; seniors and groups receive discounts. Purchase tickets onsite or online (Sompo Museum Tickets).
Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators, accessible restrooms, and multilingual signage. Assistance is available on request (Sompo Museum Information).
Getting There: A five-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (West Exit); also accessible via several Tokyo Metro and subway lines (Japan Travel Navitime).

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibition

Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”: Always on display in a climate-controlled gallery. Don’t miss the “Sunflowers” ceramic board at the entrance, a popular photo spot (Sompo Museum of Art).

Special Exhibitions

Taisho Imagerie: The Rise of Graphic Design & Illustration in Japan 1900s–1930s
July 12 – August 31, 2025
Explore 400 works from the Taishō era, tracing modern Japanese visual culture through rare magazines, postcards, and posters (Sompo Museum Exhibition Schedule; Time Out Tokyo).
Shinjuku: the City of Modern Art (tentative)
January 10 – February 15, 2026
Investigate Shinjuku’s influence on Japanese modern art (Sompo Museum Exhibition Schedule).
FACE 2026 Contemporary Art Competition
March 7–29, 2026
Annual showcase of emerging Japanese artists; includes voting and audience awards.

Educational & Community Engagement

Guided Tours: Volunteer guides offer thematic tours in multiple languages. Reservations recommended (As Seen in Japan).
School & Youth Programs: Free admission for students, creative workshops, and curriculum-linked activities.
Diversity on the Arts Project (DOOR): In partnership with Tokyo University of the Arts and Sompo Holdings, this program promotes social inclusion and multicultural dialogue through the arts (Sompo Holdings).
Digital Resources: Multilingual materials (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean) and digital guides support international visitors.

Visitor Experience & Facilities

Rest Areas: Spacious, light-filled lounges invite relaxation and reflection.
Photography: Permitted in public areas and at the “Sunflowers” ceramic board; some galleries may restrict photography—check signage or ask staff.
Museum Shop: On the first and second floors, offering exhibition catalogs, art books, and souvenirs (Japan Travel Navitime).
Amenities: Free lockers, accessible restrooms, and baby-changing facilities.

Nearby Attractions

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A tranquil retreat just minutes away.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Free observation decks with panoramic city views.
Kabukicho District: Tokyo’s vibrant entertainment and nightlife hub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Sompo Museum of Art’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM); closed Mondays and during exhibition changes.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: 500–1,000 yen depending on exhibition; free for students; discounts for seniors and groups.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, with barrier-free access, elevators, and accessible facilities.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Permitted in public areas and some exhibitions; restrictions posted in galleries.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, offered by volunteers; check the website for schedules and reservations.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Weekday mornings are less crowded; check the exhibition calendar for special events.

Museum Shop & Additional Resources

The museum shop features a curated selection of art books, catalogs, and gifts related to current exhibitions and the permanent collection. Educational materials are available for deeper learning (Japan Travel Navitime).

Summary & Visitor Recommendations

The Sompo Museum of Art is a vibrant center of art and culture in Tokyo, renowned for its architectural innovation, world-class collection, and commitment to education and accessibility. Highlights include Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” a strong focus on Japanese modern and contemporary art, and a dynamic program of special exhibitions and workshops. With its prime Shinjuku location and excellent visitor amenities, the museum is an essential stop for anyone exploring Tokyo’s cultural landscape (Sompo Museum History; Sompo Holdings; Sompo Museum Information; Time Out Tokyo).