To enter Ota Ward’s Ryushi Commemorative Museum of Art is to feel as though one is entering the mind of the artist himself. Hosted in a building designed and built by Ryushi Kawabata, it is also directly across the street from his former home and studio. Explore the rotating collections of paintings and appreciate the nearness of his home, a rare opportunity to connect an artist’s work with his personal environment.
Outside, note the modernist lines of the museum, which includes traditional Japanese architectural features while having the irregular shape of a seahorse. Enter the exhibition space, where curators regularly change out the exhibited paintings.
Admire the exuberant painting style that made Ryushi famous, especially on display in the large-scale pieces that may take up entire walls. Stand far away to appreciate the full effect and move closer to feel the energy of the bold brush strokes, which effortlessly combine traditional Nihonga painting with Ryushi’s Western artistic education.
Examine the display of his painting materials, from brushes to inks that he mixed to create the exact right tone. Take a break from the art itself to follow curators on a tour, which provides a glimpse into Ryushi’s aesthetic interest in architecture, landscape and design.
See glimpses of his inspiration in the trees and flowers so lovingly planted around his atelier, as central a part of the way he wished to be remembered as the art itself.
Find Ryushi Commemorative Museum of Art in the northeastern part of Ota Ward, near many of the district’s other tourist attractions. A bus stop is located within 2 minutes on foot. Walk 15 minutes to the nearest train station. Reach the museum in 50 minutes from Haneda International Airport or in 1.5 hours from Chofu International Airport. Walk to the nearby Ikegami Honmoji Temple in about 15 minutes. Limited metered parking is available in a garage nearby, but public transportation is the best option for access.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday during regular business hours. There is an admission fee, which includes the thrice-daily tour of the artist’s studio and garden.
