Art Week Tokyo ( AWT ) will be held from November 5 (Wed) to 9 (Sun), featuring exhibitions by more than 50 museums and galleries in Tokyo and their own programs and related events.
Here we introduce some of the recommended spots and programs of AWT, which offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy!
AWT FOCUS, an exhibition that can be purchased, will be held under the theme of “Reality/Reality.
Among the many exhibitions held at AWT, the most notable is “AWT FOCUS,” which will be held in 2023 as a “buyable exhibition.
This exhibition is held at the Okura Shukokan (Toranomon), the oldest existing private art museum in Japan, and allows visitors to view artworks at the museum and purchase them at the gallery at the same time. This year’s third edition will be curated by Adam Szymusik, Curator of Das Büro für geistige Mitarbeit at Kunstmuseum Zurich, who served as Artistic Director of the international art festival “Documenta 14”.
This year, Simuzik’s theme is “Reality/Reality. What will participants find real through art?
Free shuttle bus “AWT BUS
The “AWT BUS” is a free shuttle bus that will run for three days from November 7 (Fri.) to 9 (Sun.), connecting the participating museums, galleries and program venues.
This year, seven routes have been reorganized for the “Touring Service” that circles each area. In addition, four new “Direct Shuttle Buses” have been added to the service, providing direct transportation between the AWT FOCUS venue, Okura Shukokan, and the four venues (AWT VIDEO venue, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, and Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery). The service runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and visitors can freely get on and off from any of the bus stops, making it especially recommended for those who wish to visit multiple venues in one day.
AWT BAR,” a pop-up bar specially set up in Minami-Aoyama
This year’s “AWT BAR” was advised by Kazuyo Sejima, co-chair of the architectural unit SANAA and director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, and designed by architect Kazuyo Matsuzawa. By creating “distortions” throughout the space, it encourages viewers to perceive space in a different way than usual.
At this bar, visitors can enjoy limited food by Fuminobu Ikue, producer of mbricolage bread & co. and known as the executive chef of “Lefervaissons,” and cocktails created in collaboration with three artists.
Popular program “AWT TALKS
AWT TALKS,” a program that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from beginners to art connoisseurs, will also be held. The symposium will feature Naomi Beckwith, deputy director and chief curator of the Guggenheim Museum and artistic director of “Documenta 16” to be held in 2027, guided tours and seminars for prospective collectors, and art education programs for preschoolers and students. Art education programs for preschool children and students will also be offered.
With so many ways to enjoy contemporary art from various perspectives, visitors to AWT are sure to find new ways to enjoy art.
Outline of AWT BUS
November 7(Fri)-9(Sun), 10:00-18:00
📍 Participating museums and galleries in Tokyo, AWT FOCUS, AWT BAR and other program venues
Official website🎟️ free of charge