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Mission

In the 21st century, we have entered an age in which each of the world’s diverse cultures must be accorded equal importance.

Always remaining true to this new worldview, the Mori Art Museum takes the lead in introducing the newest art from Asia and other regions of the world. Key emhasis is placed on the concepts of being “contemporary” and “international.” Providing a platform for both art programs and the development of an accompanying intellectual context befitting this global age, the museum prsents the world with new possibilities in the field of art.

Vision

  1. To present diverse forms of artistic expression, regardless of genre.
  2. To assemble a collection of high-quality contemporary art from Asia.
  3. To pioneer a new kind of art museum that is intellectually stimulating as well as friendly and readily accessible to the public.
  4. To contribute to the growth of an audience for contemporary art, and to help invigorate the art industry.
  5. To work freely with local entities, exploring new possibilities for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Nanjo Fumio, Director

Mori Art Museum

1 Nov. 2006

Organization

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Statement on the Mori Art Museum

From the beginning, when we decided that we wanted to make Roppongi Hills a model for future developments in urban planning, we decided to create a new museum where the best in contemporary art and architecture would be shown. The Museum opened in October 2003 at the top of the central Mori Tower - a place visible from throughout Tokyo.

The Mori Art Museum strives to be a place for enjoyment, stimulation and discussion - a place where what is important in our culture and society is openly debated, not only through the exhibitions that are shown there but also through a wide range of Public Programs. It engages an audience ranging from young schoolchildren to students and senior citizens, from people living in the local community to the whole region and around the world.

Our location in Japan and East Asia is important and we consider it one of our missions to become a platform for artists from this region.

Since opening the Museum has received high critical acclaim for its wide variety of original exhibitions, many of which have been organized around universal themes. We look forward to continuing this work, and meditating between the best art of our times and Tokyo’s many residents and visitors.

Mori Minoru, Founder, Mori Art Museum

Mori Yoshiko, Chairperson, Mori Art Museum

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Nanjo Fumio,

Director of the Mori Art Museum

Nanjo Fumio was appointed Director of the Mori Art Museum in November 2006. Nanjo served as the Museum's first Deputy Director, from April 2002 until October 2006. Prior to that he organized numerous exhibitions as an officer of the Japan Foundation (1978-1986), as the Director of ICA Nagoya (1986-1990), and as the founder and Director of Nanjo and Associates (1990-2002). His main achievements include: commissioner of the Japan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (1997); commissioner of the Taipei Biennale (1998); jur y member of the Turner Prize at the Tate Gallery, London (1998); co-curator of the 3rd Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane (1999); member of the selection committee of the Sydney Biennale (2000); specialist for the Japan Pavilion at EXPO 2000 in Hanover; artistic co-director of the Yokohama Triennale (2001); jury member of the Golden Lion Prize, Venice Biennale (2005); artistic director, Singapore Biennale(2006).

Nanjo has also curated numerous public ar t and corporate art projects. He has documented his career as a curator in his 1997 book, From Art to the City:a record of 15 years as an independent curator. He is also an art critic and teaches a course on art management at Keio University in Tokyo.

Nanjo holds various positions on public and private boards and committees including Vice-Presidency of the Association International des Critiques d 'Art (AICA) and Membership of the Board of the Comite International des Muses d'Art Moderne et Contemporain (IMAM). He is also involved in the selection committees of several art awards and artist-in-residence programs. Born in 1949 in Tokyo, Nanjo received his Bachelors of Arts in Economics and Aesthetics from Keio University.

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International Advisory Committee

The Mori Art Museum International Advisory Committee was established in September 1999 with the purpose of creating a global network and exploring possibilities for collaborative exhibitions. Current Committee members include directors and chief curators from leading museums in the U.S.A., U.K., Germany and France.

Members

  • Manuel J. Borja-Villel
  • Director, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid
  • Fan Di'an
  • Director, National Art Museum of China, Beijing
  • David Elliott
  • Artistic Director, 17th Biennale of Sydney
  • Founding Director, Mori Art Museum (2001-2006)
  • Udo Kittelmann
  • Director, Nationalgalerie, Berlin
  • Dr.Glenn D.Lowry
  • Director, The Museum of Modern Art, New York
  • Mr.Alfred Pacquement
  • Director, Musee National d d'Art Moderne, Centre national d d'art et de culture Georges Pompidou, Paris
  • Sir Nicholas Serota
  • Director, Tate Gallery, London
  • Mr. Takashina Shuji
  • Director, Ohara Museum of Art, Kurashiki
  • (As of April 2009)