Mori Art Museum

Mori Art Museum is a leading contemporary art institution situated in the Roppongi Hills development in central Tokyo. Founded in 2003 by real estate developer Minoru Mori, the museum operates under the philosophy of creating a dialogue between art and society from a global perspective. It is renowned for its ambitious, large-scale thematic exhibitions that explore pressing issues of the modern world, often featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists. The museum's unique location atop the Mori Tower offers visitors panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, integrating the urban experience with its artistic program.

History

The museum was conceived by Minoru Mori, the visionary behind the Roppongi Hills urban redevelopment project, as a cultural cornerstone for the new complex. It opened to the public on October 18, 2003, with the inaugural exhibition "Happiness: A Survival Guide for Art and Life." The founding director was David Elliott, who established its curatorial direction focused on contemporary Asia and global interconnectivity. In 2006, Fumio Nanjo, a prominent figure in the Japanese art scene, assumed the directorship, further solidifying the museum's international reputation through major surveys like the "Roppongi Crossing" series. Since 2020, leadership has been under Mami Kataoka, who previously served as Chief Curator at the Hayward Gallery and was Artistic Director of the 2019 Sydney Biennale.

Architecture and location

The museum occupies the top two floors (52nd and 53rd) of the 54-story Mori Tower, the central skyscraper of the Roppongi Hills complex designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. Its elevated position provides a symbolic and physical "sky museum" experience, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The interior gallery spaces, designed for flexibility, can accommodate large-scale installations and are directly connected to the Tokyo City View observation deck. The surrounding district of Roppongi is a major cultural hub, also home to institutions like the National Art Center, Tokyo and the Suntory Museum of Art.

Exhibitions and programs

The museum's program is defined by its non-collecting, exhibition-focused model, staging about three major thematic shows annually. Notable past exhibitions include "Ai Weiwei: According to What?" (2009), "The Universe and Art" (2016), and "Future and the Arts: AI, Robotics, Cities, Life - How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow" (2019). It regularly collaborates with global institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The "Roppongi Crossing" series, triennial exhibitions launched in 2004, is a flagship program surveying the latest trends in Japanese contemporary art. Public engagement is fostered through talks, workshops, and the "MAM Project" series supporting emerging artists.

Collection and focus

While primarily operating as a "kunsthalle" without a permanent collection, the museum, through the Mori Art Museum Foundation, does acquire select works that resonate with its mission. Its acquisitions focus on contemporary art from Asia and around the world that engage with themes of urbanization, technology, and cross-cultural discourse. Artists represented in its holdings include Yayoi Kusama, Lee Bul, Takashi Murakami, and Anish Kapoor. The curatorial focus consistently emphasizes art's role in examining societal issues, from the impact of the Internet to environmental concerns and the future of megacities, aligning with the vision of its founder within the context of Roppongi Hills.

Governance and operation

The museum is operated by the Mori Art Museum Foundation, which is part of the larger Mori Building Company, a major Japanese real estate developer. This corporate structure provides significant funding and allows for ambitious projects, though the museum maintains curatorial independence. The current Director is Mami Kataoka, who oversees a curatorial team that organizes exhibitions and research. The museum collaborates closely with an international network of advisors, scholars, and partner institutions. Its operations are integrated with the Roppongi Hills complex, which includes the Tokyo City View observation deck, the Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills, and various commercial and residential spaces.

Category:Art museums and galleries in Tokyo Category:Museums established in 2003 Category:Contemporary art museums in Japan Category:Roppongi Hills