Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Tokyo, Japan)
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan is a Japanese concert hall located in Ueno Park, Taitō, Tokyo. Designed by Japanese architect Kunio Maekawa, it was built in 1961 and renovated in 1998–99. Its larger hall seats 2303 people, and its small hall seats 649. It is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture.
Inaugurated in 1961 as one of the projects commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Metropolitan Tokyo. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan opened in April 1961 in response to public demand for an opera and ballet venue as well as to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the city by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Numerous legendary operas, ballet and classical music performances by celebrated artists from all over the world have honored the venue since its opening. The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan is also world-renowned for its amazing acoustics.
The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan features the Main Hall with 2,303 seats for operas, ballets, and orchestral concerts and the Recital Hall with 649 seats for recitals and chamber music performances. The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan also has rehearsal rooms, various meeting rooms and the unique Music Library. The building was designed by Kunio Maekawa and is a well-known example of modernist architecture which has led to great appreciation by the public as a “Music Hall of Fame.”