- Experience
- Ibaraki
Art Tower Mito
Art Tower Mito continues to create and disseminate art and culture from Ibaraki to the world
Designed by world-renowned architect Arata Isozaki with an iconic 100-meter tower, Art Tower Mito (ATM) opened in 1990 as a comprehensive cultural facility for music (concert hall), drama (theater) and contemporary art (gallery). Located in the heart of the city of Mito, the open lawn area at the facility center is also a place of relaxation for local residents. Under the vision of ATM Director General and legendary conductor Seiji Ozawa to "make music, theater and art more accessible," the facility engages in innovative art and cultural activities with a view toward the world and the future.
The Contemporary Art Gallery exhibits various genres from modern art to architecture, design, and fashion
Exhibitions at the gallery focus on acclaimed contemporary artists as well as up-and-coming artists from both Japan and abroad, garnering attention from around the world as a center for culture and art. Consisting of nine unique exhibition and workshop rooms varying in size and lighting, the gallery provides spaces for artists to freely express their creativity. Various participatory programs such as workshops and lectures are also offered.
Concert Hall ATM designed for the most beautiful acoustics
Overseen by celebrated conductor Seiji Ozawa, the concert hall is an ideal venue for classical music performances, designed to surround the audience with a beautiful sound that can be felt through one's entire body. In addition to regular concerts by ATM's exclusive orchestra, the world-acclaimed Mito Chamber Orchestra (MCO), distinguished musicians from both Japan and around the world hold various concerts at the hall. A magnificent pipe organ placed at the entrance hall with a church-like soaring ceiling creates deep and beautiful sounds, which can be enjoyed during free noontime concerts on weekends.
Flexible staging of the ACM Theater unites the stage and audience
From contemporary plays to musicals and classical performing art, the ACM Theater caters to various genres in the 12-sided theater with approximately 300 seats. In addition to productions of famous works from all ages and cultures, the facility supports the growth of locally rooted theater as well. The stage is equipped with a lift system to freely change its configuration, and without a stage curtain to separate the stage from the seats, the audience can intimately focus on every fine movement and facial expressions of the actors.
Location
| Name | Art Tower Mito |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.arttowermito.or.jp/english/ |
| Address | 1-6-8 Goken-cho, Mito-shi, Ibaraki |
| Access | Approximately 20 minutes' drive from the Mito IC on the Joban Expressway From Mito Station North Exit Bus Terminal loading areas 4 to 7, take the bus for approximately 10 minutes to Izumicho Itchome bus stop and walk about 2 minutes From Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit Bus Terminal, take the expressway bus for approximately 100 minutes to Izumicho Itchome bus stop and walk about 2 minutes |
| Business Hours | 9:30 to 18:00 (Hours may be extended for events.) |
| Closed | Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, then the following Tuesday), year-end and New Year's holidays |
| Inquiries | TEL: 029-227-8111 |
| Admission | Contemporary Art Gallery: General admission: 900 yen; High school students and under, age 70 and older, holders of disability certificate and one caregiver: Free Tower: Adults: 200 yen; Junior high school and elementary school students: 100 yen |