The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum regularly hosts “G(ALL)ERY Day” as part of its commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone can enjoy art on equal footing. These special days include two types of programs: “Leisurely Art Appreciation Day,” which provides a comfortable and accessible environment for visitors with disabilities or wheelchair users, and “Baby Hours,” which allows strollers to be used throughout the main building, where they are usually restricted. Each program is held once during the run of every exhibition.
The origins of G(ALL)ERY Day date back to earlier initiatives. In December 2020, the museum launched the “Special Viewing Tour with Art Communicators for Visitors with Disabilities,” followed in March 2021 by the “Stroller Tours” (Museum Tours for Visitors with Babies) program. Both programs were held on the museum’s closed days, allowing visitors to explore exhibitions with the guidance of an art communicator accompanying each group. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from these programs (*1) prompted the museum to introduce G(ALL)ERY Day during regular opening hours in 2023.
By fostering interaction among diverse individuals, the museum embodies its vision of an inclusive society where everyone feels welcome.

The G(ALL)ERY Day initiative stems from the unique architectural features of the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. Originally built in 1933 as the residence of  The Asaka branch of the imperial family, the building was converted into a museum in 1983. Since then, it has hosted exhibitions focusing on decorative arts, making the best use of the unique characteristics of its architecture. In 2015, the building was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government, recognized as a distinctive example of residences designed by the Construction Bureau of the Imperial Household Ministry.
While the building’s original features, such as narrow entrances and steps, preserve its historical charm, they also pose accessibility challenges. G(ALL)ERY Days addresses these issues by limiting visitor members and providing attentive staff support. This creates a welcoming, stress-free environment for individuals, including those uncomfortable crowds or those with infants.

On G(ALL)ERY Days, visitor numbers are limited, allowing exhibitions to be enjoyed in a more relaxed and uncrowded setting. To ensure this, attendance is entirely by advance reservation. Visitors with disability certificates can enter without prior reservations on G(ALL)ERY Days, as they would on regular days.

On “Leisurely Art Appreciation Day,” a reservation-required program, the museum offers a interactive tour that pairs each participating group with an art communicator who assists with navigating narrow spaces and steps while exploring the exhibition together. The tour lasts up to 90 minutes, with the pace and content adjusted to participants’ health and preferences.
“Art communicators” are individuals who use art as a medium to foster communication and bridge diverse perspectives. They are members of “Art Communicator Tokyo,” a volunteer organization that works with museums and other venues to create inclusive spaces where everyone can participate comfortably, aiming to build a more dialogue-driven society.

On the day we visited the museum to report the Leisurely Art Appreciation Day, the museum was hosting the exhibition “Looking at Architecture 2024 : In the Glow of Lights” The exhibition featured masterpieces by renowned designers of the French Art Deco movement, such as Henri Rapin and René Lalique, who were involved in designing the interiors of the museum’s important rooms. One of the exhibition’s highlights was the harmony between the artworks and the building’s architecture, offering visitors a uniquely immersive experience. Quite a few of the art communicators have been continuously involved with the program, and during the tour, they interacted with participants at a comfortable pace tailored to their needs.
“The wallpaper in the Small Drawing Room is actually an oil painting by Henri Rapin. It was painted abroad, rolled up, and transported here. If you look above the door leading to the terrace, you can see the signature ‘H. RAPIN.’”
“This room usually has the curtains closed, but today is a rare occasion where they are open. The rain has made the greenery look exceptionally beautiful.”
The tour lasts about 90 minutes, during which participants explore the museum while engaging in dialogue with the art communicator.

Among the visitors on Leisurely Art Appreciation Day, not a few of those appeared to have no visible disabilities at first glance. When speaking with some of the attendees, it became clear that some struggled with crowded environments, which could lead to discomfort or illness. It seems that on Leisurely Art Appreciation Day, people—regardless of whether they have a disability—are able to enjoy the exhibition without the stress of crowded conditions.

One family shared their experience, “My son found out about Leisurely Art Appreciation Day and drove me here because of my age. Since I’ve had trouble with my legs, I’ve been worried about not finding a chair to sit in when I get tired, so it’s been hard for me to visit museums. Today, I’m able to enjoy the exhibition while taking breaks and resting comfortably.”

Art Communicator Shinji Onodera reflected, “The scope of disability is broad, and we approach each tour by considering the best response for each individual situation. All of us, as art communicators, approach the tours with responsibility and sincerity.”
Art Communicator Kazuyo Komatsu added, “Since the museum was originally used as a private residence, it has an intimate atmosphere, like inviting guests into a home. This makes it ideal for interactive art appreciation. Some people with disabilities might feel hesitant about visiting a museum, but we’re happy to accompany them so they can enjoy the exhibition without worrying about their surroundings.”

Art communicators not only assist with moving around the facility, but also enhance the viewing experience by engaging in communication during the tour. The Leisurely Art Appreciation Day  program is only available on G(ALL)ERY Day, providing a special opportunity to fully appreciate the museum’s offerings. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless of disability, through prior registration.