The Minato City Local History Museum is a newly opened resource for everyone to learn about Minato City. By discovering its history, exploring our past and communicating together we can find out more about what makes it special. This building, including the museum, was originally built as The Institute of Public Health by architect Uchida Yoshikazu in 1938. It was renovated to preserve its original architectural style but with added seismic reinforcements. It also includes disability- friendly access features so that everyone can use it comfortably. We hope that you can enjoy new experiences and gain illuminating knowledge while appreciating the historic architecture and exhibitions.
Access and Guidance
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Access |
1 minute walk from Exit 2 of Shirokanedai Station on the Namboku line(Tokyo Metro) or Mita line(Toei Transportation) 1 minute walk from the Shirokanedai Ekimae bus stop of Toei Bus *Parking is not available at the museum. Please use public transportation. |
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Open |
*The ticket booth is open daily from 9 am-4:30 pm and until 7:30 pm on Saturdays. |
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Admission fees to the permanent exhibitions |
*Group discount is available for groups of 10 visitors or more. Free Museum Days for Minato citizens: Feb 11, May 5, Aug 11 and Nov 3. *Presentation of ID is required. |
Contact
Minato City Local History Museum
4-6-2, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071
- Phone:03-6450-2107
- Fax:03-6450-2137
Permanent Exhibition
Permanent Exhibition Room
Theme 1: Dynamism of the Ocean and People
This exhibit is about the history of Minato City as it relates to Tokyo Bay through three themes: environment, shell mounds, and fisheries.
Theme 2: Spread of the Urban City and Culture
This exhibit looks at the state of the Minato City area, which was located in the south of the premodern city of Edo, through three themes: the city's development; samurai residences, temples and shrines, and the townspeople; and the people related to these developments.
Theme 3: People's Movement and Their Lives
This exhibit is about the modern history of Minato City, where many people have continued to live in and commute through, through five themes: internationalization; education; transportation and traffic; occupations and industries; and disasters.
Guidance Room
We introduce the situation and everyday lives in five districts of Minato City, from the primitive and ancient ages to modern times, through digital displays.
Communication Room
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We offer hands-on displays here. Everyone can learn about the nature, history, and culture of Minato City. You can handle genuine artefacts such as ancient pottery from the Jomon age, or skeletal specimens of animals including a whale. You can also take a quiz by listening to the sounds of nature in Minato City.
Building
This building, designed by Uchida Yoshikazu, Professor, Department of Architecture at the University of Tokyo, was constructed in1938 as the Institute of Public Health. The architectural structure is steel-reinforced concrete, and the exterior was finished using scratch tiles. Its characteristic design is called "Uchida Gothic", which can also be found at the adjoining Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo.
You can see various original design elements that have been retained inside the building, such as the former auditorium, classrooms and laboratories, as well as detailed creative elements. This renovated historic building, which includes the Minato City Local History Museum, hosts a variety of services as a community facility.
Former Auditorium
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This auditorium features terraced seating. Most of the parts have remained exactly as they were when they first opened. The lighting equipment as well as reliefs on the sides of the podium are characteristic.
Former President's Room / Former Vice-President's Room
You can see the high level of the craftsmen's skills from those days in these rooms. In particular, the walls and ceiling are finished using luxurious veneers, and the floor features exquisite parquet in the President's Room.
Second Floor Central Hall
The design, with its open ceiling and symmetrical stone staircases, are characteristic of this hall.