21_21 DESIGN SIGHT — Attraction in Tokyo

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, located in Tokyo Midtown’s Roppongi district, is a captivating destination for design enthusiasts and architecture admirers. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with fashion designer Issey Miyake, the museum seamlessly integrates into its surroundings with a minimalist aesthetic. The building features a distinctive folded steel roof inspired by Miyake’s “A Piece of Cloth” concept, and much of its structure is thoughtfully submerged underground to harmonize with the landscape .  

Inside, the museum offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, with natural light filtering through expansive glass panels, highlighting the interplay of shadows and space. The exhibitions, though not extensive in size, are thoughtfully curated, focusing on various aspects of design and often featuring works by prominent designers and artists. For instance, past exhibitions have included retrospectives on Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped,” providing visitors with in-depth insights into the creative process . 

Admission is priced at ¥1,600 for adults, which some visitors find steep given the relatively compact exhibition space . However, many agree that the unique architectural experience and the quality of the exhibitions justify the cost. The museum’s commitment to exploring the potential of design in enriching daily life resonates throughout its programs and installations. 

In conclusion, while 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT may not offer expansive galleries, its architectural brilliance and the depth of its exhibitions make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in contemporary design and architecture. The museum stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating meaningful cultural...

I have been visiting 21_21 Design Sight since its opening and I'm always in awe of the beautiful exhibitions that take place throughout the building. The design by architect Tadao Ando and fashion designer Issey Miyake is breathtaking and brilliant. Today's exhibition featuring The Original is a wonderful way to look at all of the great designs from around the world that are universal and timeless. I must see if you are visiting Tokyo! GH Update: 21_21 Design Sight, located in the heart of Tokyo's Roppongi district, is a dynamic design museum and exhibition space that exemplifies the intersection of creativity and innovation. Established in 2007, it was co-founded by renowned designer Issey Miyake, along with graphic designer Taku Satoh and product designer Naoto Fukasawa. The museum's architecture, designed by the esteemed Tadao Ando, features sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic, embodying the principles of contemporary Japanese design.

The mission of 21_21 Design Sight is to explore the role of design in everyday life, challenging conventional perspectives and inspiring new ways of thinking. It hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and talks that engage both professionals and the general public in meaningful dialogues about design's impact on society. By bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, 21_21 Design Sight serves as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the evolving...

I was sold on this when it started with a quote by Carl Sagan (appropriately framing the entire exhibition in the cosmic context of spacetime) 🌌🖤🙈

As our global, collaborative effort towards the climate emergency gets severely sidelined (sadly due to us being stuck on all things regional identity-based), “The Futures In-Sight” exhibition IMHO is a hugely thought-provoking, and era-appropriate exhibition for all who feel the urge to connect and focus on what we can do together as global people 🌎

If you can read Japanese you may get a little more from it, as some of my favourite parts of the exhibition were quotes from thinkers / artists / scientists etc. active in different fields on how they think of, and from our future in the year 2121 in connection with the now (as well as the past).

But they also have a QR code for each quote and installation which loads the descriptions right into your browser. So a workflow for getting them translated e.g. via Google Translate, I imagine would be relatively seamless ↔️

If you’re a philosophy-oriented person (in absolutely any disciple or background) I think you’ll really appreciate the exhibition! And lastly, what I always fail to describe with words, I hope these gazillion photos would help fill some of...