The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is currently hosting the ‘Looking at Architecture 2024: In the Glow of Lights’ exhibition. It opened on September 14, and will run until November 10, 2024.
The building now known as the Main Building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum was originally constructed in 1933 as the former residence of Prince Asaka. Captivated by the Art Deco style that was prominent in Paris at the time, the prince and his wife poured their passion into creating a home that embodied this aesthetic. French decorative artist Henri Rapin designed the interiors of the main rooms, while engineers from the Imperial Household Ministry oversaw the overall design. Using cutting-edge technology and the finest materials available, the residence was meticulously crafted.
For a detailed look inside the museum, check out the article previously featured on ZEROMILE: Mademoiselle Yulia’s 【Narratives in Kimono】 Vol.1 the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
This annual exhibition, which highlights the architectural charm of the Main Building, presents a new theme each year from different perspectives. This year’s exhibition focuses on the lighting that beautifully illuminates the residence.
Stunning Bespoke Lighting Fixtures
Many of the lighting fixtures, designed with careful attention to materials and details, were created specifically for this residence. The exhibition also includes replicas of furniture and decor from the palace era, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the ambiance of that time.
Inside the Great Hall on 1F of the Main Building, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
During a previous visit, many areas were closed off with curtains due to the exhibition setup. However, this time the curtains have been drawn open, allowing natural light to pour in from the garden. Seeing the space in this light, you can almost picture what life was like for the Asaka family when they lived here.
The Great Dining Hall on 1F of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum: The chandelier by René Lalique is called ‘Pineapple and Pomegranate.’
The first floor features several rooms for hosting guests, including a grand guest room, a spacious hall, and the Great Dining Hall, all beautifully illuminated by lighting that exudes a lavish touch. Each area is impeccably maintained, and it may be hard to grasp that their modern, refined designs were crafted nearly 90 years ago.
Inside the Salon of the Main Building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum: The chandelier by René Lalique is called ‘Bucharest.’
The second floor, being a private space with bedrooms and living rooms, showcases a variety of lighting fixtures that reflect the unique personalities of each room’s former occupant. You can also enjoy the dynamic layout with features such as the connected rooms of the prince and princess, allowing for easy passage, and a library with an entire wall of bookshelves.
Impressive lighting fixtures across the second floor.
Top Left: The Teien Art Museum Main Building, Second Floor, Young Prince’s Dressing Room
Top Right: The Teien Art Museum Main Hall, Second Floor, Prince’s Bedroom
Bottom Left: The Teien Art Museum Main Hall, Second Floor, Princess’s Sitting Room
Bottom Right: The Teien Art Museum Main Hall, Second Floor, Young Princess’s Sitting Room
Limited-Time Opening Not to Be Missed
For this exhibition, the Winter Garden on the third floor is being specially opened to the public. Like the second-floor balcony, the space is defined by its striking black-and-white checkered pattern. It was likely a room designed to enjoy as an indoor garden, as it receives plenty of sunlight even during the winter months, making it ideal for showcasing plants.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Main Building, Winter Garden
In addition, Gallery 1 of the new building is currently showcasing a stunning array of lighting fixtures. Here, you can see chandeliers that were used in the former residence of Prince Asaka, which have been restored and are now on display.
ZEROMILE’s tip: Visit around 3 to 4 PM to experience the lighting by both day and night. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden, then explore the exhibits in the new building. Afterward, take your time wandering through the main hall to appreciate both the warm glow of the setting sun and the beauty of the lighting after dark.
As this is a limited-time exhibition, be sure to seize the opportunity to marvel at the architecture of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum and the enchantment of its lighting.
Looking at Architecture 2024: In the Glow of Lights
Venue: The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum (Main Building + New Building)
Exhibition Dates: September 14 – November 10, 2024
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Every Monday
Open on September 16 and 23, October 14, and November 4
Closed on September 17 and 24, October 15, and November 5
Official Website:
https://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en/exhibition/240914-1110_lookingatarchitecture/
