Yayoi Kusama Museum Enchants All

Fans of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, famous for her polka dots and pumpkin art, can now view her exhibitions at a permanent location, after the opening of the Yayoi Kusama Museum in October 2017.

The internationally-acclaimed artist’s works include never-before-seen ones are on display, and visitors will be able to learn about her struggles as they manifest themselves in the form of her art. Her ongoing painting series “My Eternal Soul” is full of vibrant colours and 16 handpicked pieces from Kusama herself will be at the exhibition.

Another series in the gallery is “Love Forever”, a set of abstract visuals created using only a black marker. The work is mysterious and alluring, and sends Kusama’s message of her love for the world through these pieces.

Kusama’s iconic polka-dotted pumpkins also make an appearance in a mirror room specially made for this exhibition. Titled “PUMPKINS SCREAMING ABOUT LOVE BEYOND INFINITY”, this exhibit showcases Kusama’s fascination with the fruit combined with mirrors, creating an illusion of an infinite field of pumpkins.

If you want to learn more about Kusama and her art, the museum offers two free gallery talks by the curator each month. These dates are predetermined and interested ticket holders can head to the museum’s website for more information.

The museum is open on Thursdays to Sundays, as well as on national holidays. Opening hours are from 11am to 5pm. The museum may be closed on certain days so be sure to check the website in advance.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance via the museum’s website and are valid for a 90-minute period – admission times are at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, and 3.30pm. Adult tickets cost 1,000 yen; tickets for children aged 6-18 cost 600 yen, while children under 6 have free entry. Tickets go on sale at 10am (Japan Time) on the first day of each month for entry in the month after next.

Kusama has held many exhibitions worldwide and was named the “world’s most popular artist in 2014’ by the Art Newspaper” so if you missed her exhibitions before, you have a chance to view her work right here in Tokyo.