Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
Precious Goldfish and Traditional Arts
Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is an exhibition gallery at the 8F floor of the historical Mitsukoshi department store located at the famous Ginza 4-chome intersection in Tokyo. Visitors are immersed in a parallel universe of goldfish, highlighting the Japanese traditional crafts through elaborate staging and light effects.
Initially located in Nihonbashi, Art Aquarium Museum GINZA was moved to its current location in the new building Shinkan (Annex) of Ginza Mitsukoshi department store in May 2022. The museum’s concept is based on the appreciation of the traditional Japanese aesthetics in a modern environment, with a particular focus on goldfish (kingyo 金魚).
Goldfish are indeed at the heart of the exhibition, hosting about 5,000 individuals of various species, in a homage to the tradition of goldfish breeding and aesthetic enjoyment that started in the 16th century in Japan. These delicate animals, sometimes displaying a peculiar look, are the results of multiple selections and genetic mutations and are considered "living artworks."
A timeless sensory experience
The Art Aquarium is located at the 8F floor of the recently built Annex of the Mitsukoshi, but its access is at the 9F, from which escalators go down to this world apart.
A blue noren curtain draws the limit between the well-lighted upper floors and the darkness of the Art Aquarium. The magical journey follows a one-way path and begins in a swarm of Mantoro lanterns 🏮, reminiscent of the mystical atmosphere of Nara’s Kasuga Taisha shrine, intensified by the ethereal musical background and the sound of trickling water.
Then, visitors are directed to a corridor lined with vertical water tanks, illuminated in various colors, and into which the fish are swimming; those tubes symbolize the architecture of temples and shrines.
A capsule of traditional craftsmanship
Traditional crafts are highlighted by a succession of living artworks, in the literal sense as they are inhabited by small living goldfish. Folding screens and fans patterns are thus recreated in minimalist decors. Floral arrangements, bonsai, Edo-kiriko cut glass vases, kimono 👘 fabric, Noh theater masks 😷 and Edo period prints also catch the eye.
The Show of Goldfish area is made of multiple square water tanks offering the original experience of goldfish watching: the animals are seen from above in the Edo period fashion. With its mirrored walls the room feels infinite.
A social media minded exhibition
The silky fish allied with the refinement and attention to detail make the Art Aquarium an ideal place to post on Instagram. Pictures and videos are notably encouraged, and advice for snapping the best selfie are even available on the museum’s website. Note however that flash lights and tripods are prohibited.
Additionally, decoration is themed on the season:
- Sakura 🌸 blossoms fill the museum in spring;
- Summer is symbolized by greenery and young leaves;
- Autumn displays koyo 🍁 foliage; and,
- Winter is themed on Christmas.
Despite its expensive admission fee – it indeed takes less than half an hour to tour the exhibition – and the goldfishes' living conditions, the Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is quite popular. It is therefore best to visit early just at the opening for a comfortable discovery and avoid the busiest hours as the venue is overall quite small.