The construction of the former Prince Asaka residence (now the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, an Important Cultural Property), was inspired by the Art Deco Exposition of 1925 which the Asaka no Miya visited while on a sojourn in Paris that year. Imprinted with the Imperial family’s actions and thoughts, in the post-war period the residence was used as the official residence of Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, who concluded the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951/2. As such, the site became the stage for many important affairs.
Even today, the histories and memories of visitors to this rare Art Deco building remain with us. Therefore, in this exhibition, together with objects from this museum’s collections, memories from years gone by are gathered together in the living architecture of this building. In the context of the enduring appeal of the former Asaka residence, we focus on the activities of the former inhabitants of and visitors to this site.

【Also on view】French Picture Books: Collection of Shigeru Kashima

Opening to the Public
The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum holds an exhibition once a year to enable the public to fully appreciate the charm of the former Asaka no Miya residence, which was completed in 1933. In addition to introducing pieces from this museum’s Art Deco collections, this exhibition will feature records and exhibits associated with the former Asaka no Miya. It aims to deepen our understanding of this architectural space and scenery, which is of worldwide value and significance.