An exhibition space with a name that signifies a place which talks about design that looks towards the future
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is a low-rise building with only one floor and one basement. The entrance and reception are on the ground floor while there are 2 galleries underground and one gallery over ground. When you go inside, a space opens up in a way that you cannot imagine from the exterior. Ando, while thinking of “A Piece of Cloth,” devised a roof made from one sheet of folded steel. Becoming a structure that strove to be “The Face of Japan”, the 11.4m-long sheet of double-glazed glass, the longest in Japan, has a stunning presence. The balance of light that thrusts into the space and everything, including the view that can be seen from the single pane of glass regardless of the weather condition, are material that has been designed. In the United Kingdom and the United States, perfect vision is called “20/20 Vision (Sight).” It is from this point that the place was given the name of “21_21 DESIGN SIGHT” as a place that tells of design which looks into the future. This is an exhibition space that gets noticed no matter what kind of exhibitions are being held.
Exhibitions that everyone from children to adults can enjoy
Since its opening in 2007, there have been over 30 exhibitions held at the place. There are many innovative projects that take on intangible themes such as “activity” and “unit” from familiar items such as chocolate and rice. In the past, the “Design Ah!” exhibition was especially popular. Exhibits were made based on the concept of “Design Ah!” including motifs surrounding the letter “あ” (ah). For example, one of the exhibits transformed visitors’ bodies projected on the wall to complete “ah.” Seeing, touching and experimenting, everything has been devised so that everyone from kids to grown-ups could enjoy themselves.
Located inside Tokyo Midtown, since there is a joint discount with the Suntory Museum of Art which is in the same facility, taking a tour of the museums is ideal. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is open until 7 p.m. Whether you visit during the day while strolling through the greenery or take your time relaxing at night while the place is illuminated, it is a space to have fun.