Godzilla the Art showcases work from 29 Japanese and international artists in Tokyo. The exhibit runs through June 29, 2025. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Godzilla’s iconic roar has rumbled across the big screen since the monster’s debut in 1954. More than 70 years later, artists from around the world are paying tribute to the legendary creature in a new exhibit at the Mori Arts Center in Tokyo.
Godzilla the Art, produced by Takeshi Yoro, showcases work from 29 Japanese and international artists on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills’ Mori Tower. The exhibit runs through June 29.
The entrance corridor simulates the aftermath of a Godzilla attack and includes information about the monster’s origins and creator. Inside the gallery, murals, sculptures, photographs and videos — ranging form quirky to eerie — line the walls and floor spaces. Placards accompany each piece with details.
Among the highlights is a diorama by TokyoBuild artist Christopher Robin Nordstrom, depicting buildings devastated by the towering titan. Another standout is “The One — Godzilla,” a large wooden statue of a human-shaped Godzilla by sculptor Odani Motohiko, which casts an ominous shadow across a wall.
Near the end of the exhibit, a large-screen video installation set to music by Toho Visual Arts presents a montage of Godzilla designs from across the decades.
Murals, sculptures, photographs and videos — ranging form quirky to eerie — line the walls and floor spaces for Godzilla the Art. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors can expect to spend about 40 minutes inside the exhibit.
A gift shop outside the gallery offers Godzilla-themed merchandise, including figurines, T-shirts, cookies and more. A model of Shin Godzilla from the 2016 film proved especially popular and sold out quickly.
Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online — after creating an account — or in person at the third-floor ticket counter.
Visitors must check in on the third floor, where staff verify tickets. QR codes are scanned for access to elevators and again before entering the exhibit.
Certain works are off limits to photography, and video and museum staff stand by to enforce the rules.
Elaborate dioramas occupy a room at Godzilla the Art, an exhibit commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the movie monster's origin. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Strip)
On the QT
Directions: Mori Arts Center is a short walk from Roppongi Station, which services multiple train lines; take Exit 1C.
Times: “Gozilla the Art” is open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., until June 29.
Costs: Adult admission is 2,200 yen on weekdays and 2,500 yen on weekends. University and high school students pay 1,600 yen and 1,500 yen, respectively, on weekdays and weekends. Children ages 4 through junior high school pay 500 yen on weekdays and 600 yen on weekends. Free for 3 and younger.
Food: The Sun and The Moon cafe and restaurant is available on the same floor.
Information: Online: tinyurl.com/mwa9k329
