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New York City, New York / Museums

Japan Society Gallery

A premier U.S. institution for Japanese art, this gallery offers world-class exhibitions ranging from classical Buddhist sculpture to contemporary photography in a stunning Midtown East cultural center.

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Japan Society Gallery
japansociety.org, og_image_japansociety.org

What is the Japan Society Gallery known for?

It is one of the premier institutions in the U.S. for exhibiting Japanese art. Since 1971, its exhibitions have ranged from classical Buddhist sculpture, calligraphy, and samurai swords to contemporary photography and ceramics.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission is $15 for nonmembers and $10 for students and seniors. Admission is always free for members, patrons with disabilities, and an accompanying Personal Care Assistant.

What are the hours?

During exhibitions, the gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 pm. It is closed on major holidays, though it offers Free First Fridays from 5 to 7 pm.

Where is it located?

The gallery is located at 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017. It is in Midtown East near the United Nations, between First and Second Avenues, and is within walking distance of Grand Central Terminal.

Is it free?

Admission is free for members and patrons with disabilities. Additionally, the gallery offers Free First Fridays from 5 to 7 pm.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Japan Society Gallery is recognized as one of the premier institutions in the United States for the exhibition of Japanese art. While the parent organization was formed in 1907 as a nonprofit to promote relations between the United States and Japan, the gallery's specific exhibition program has been active since 1971. The current headquarters, located at 333 East 47th Street, was designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura and opened in 1971. The facility serves as a comprehensive cultural hub, housing not only the art gallery but also a theater and a library. The gallery space itself is situated on the second floor, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Since its inception, the gallery has presented a vast array of works, including samurai swords, export porcelain, and calligraphy. Its scope extends from prehistory to the present, featuring masterpieces of painting from the thirteenth to the twenty-first century. Recent programming has highlighted contemporary artists, such as the first New York solo museum exhibition of Chiharu Shiota, which ran from September 2025 into January 2026. Visitors can explore these collections during standard exhibition hours, which typically run Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and weekends from noon to 6 pm. The institution continues to act as a primary gateway for Japanese culture, business, and society within New York City.

Visitor tips

  • Visit on the first Friday of the month between 5 pm and 7 pm for Free First Fridays admission.
  • Students and seniors can access tickets at a reduced rate of $10.
  • Allow extra time to explore the other facilities on-site, including the library and theater.

Nearby context

Located in Midtown East between First and Second Avenues, the gallery is situated near the United Nations and is within walking distance of Grand Central Terminal.

Sources

Evidence and links