Intermediatheque: A hidden treasure trove of curiosities in Tokyo

What is Intermediatheque and where is it located?

The Intermediatheque Overview reveals a museum unlike any other in Japan. Located on the second and third floors of the Kitte Marunouchi building, it sits just steps away from the bustling Tokyo Station. This prime location makes it easily accessible, yet its presence remains a delightful surprise to many visitors.

The museum's name, "Intermediatheque," hints at its unique approach. It serves as a platform for interdisciplinary experimentation, bringing together various forms of media and expression. Unlike traditional museums with rigid categorizations, the Intermediatheque encourages visitors to explore freely, guided by their own curiosity.

As a joint venture between Japan Post and the University of Tokyo, the museum benefits from a vast and eclectic collection of artifacts and specimens. This collaboration allows for a dynamic and ever-evolving exhibition space that challenges conventional museum experiences.

The unique collection: From natural history to antique artifacts

The Intermediatheque's collection is a testament to human curiosity and ingenuity across centuries and disciplines. Visitors can expect to encounter an astonishing array of objects, each with its own story to tell. From the realm of natural history, you'll find meticulously preserved animal specimens, including an impressive array of taxidermy birds and a towering giraffe skeleton.

The museum's commitment to showcasing the wonders of the natural world extends to its collection of geological samples and fossils. These specimens offer a tangible connection to the Earth's ancient past and the flora and faunathat once roamed our planet.

In stark contrast to these natural wonders, the Intermediatheque also houses a fascinating array of human-made artifacts. Among the most captivating is an Egyptian mummy housed in an ornate sarcophagus, offering a glimpse into ancient funerary practices. The collection also features intricate tribal art pieces, early scientific instruments, and vintage cameras, each object a window into different aspects of human culture and technological advancement.

Exploring the museum's layout and notable exhibits

The Intermediatheque's layout is designed to encourage exploration and discovery. Unlike traditional museums with prescribed routes, visitors are invited to wander freely through the space, allowing their interests to guide them. This approach creates a personalized experience for each visitor, as no two journeys through the museum are quite the same.

Among the most striking exhibits is the "Theatre of Specimens," a dramatic display of preserved animals arranged in a way that seems to bring them to life. This exhibit showcases the museum's unique approach to presentation, blending scientific accuracy with artistic flair.

Another highlight is the "Anatomical Theatre," which features an array of human and animal skeletons. This section offers a fascinating comparison of different species' structures, providing insights into evolutionary biology and comparative anatomy.

The museum also houses a collection of antique scientific instruments and early mechanical devices. These exhibits not only demonstrate the ingenuity of past inventors but also trace the development of scientific understanding through the ages.

The story behind Intermediatheque: University of Tokyo and Japan Post collaboration

The Intermediatheque's existence is a result of a unique partnership between two seemingly unrelated entities: the University of Tokyo and Japan Post. This collaboration brings together the academic rigor and vast collections of Japan's most prestigious university with the innovative space and public accessibility provided by Japan Post's urban development project.

The University of Tokyo, known for its extensive research across various disciplines, had accumulated a vast collection of specimens and artifacts over its long history. Many of these items, while invaluable for academic study, remained hidden from public view in university storage.

Japan Post, on the other hand, was looking to revitalize the historic Tokyo Central Post Office building as part of its JP Tower development. The collaboration with the University of Tokyo presented an opportunity to create a unique cultural space that would bridge academia and the public.

This partnership has resulted in a museum that not only preserves and displays important scientific and cultural artifacts but also serves as a platform for new forms of cultural production and interdisciplinary dialogue. The Intermediatheque continues to evolve, with ongoing research and new acquisitions ensuring that each visit offers fresh discoveries.

Visitor information: How to access, entry fees, and photography rules

Accessing the Intermediatheque is remarkably convenient, given its central location. The museum is just a short walk from the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station. For those using the Tokyo Metro, it's equally accessible from Nijubashimae Station on the Chiyoda Line.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Intermediatheque is its Admission policy - entry is completely free. This commitment to public accessibility aligns with the museum's goal of sharing knowledge and inspiring curiosity in visitors of all backgrounds.

The museum's Hours are generally from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. It's typically closed on Mondays, except when Monday falls on a national holiday. In such cases, it remains open on Monday but closes the following Tuesday.

Regarding photography, the Intermediatheque has a unique policy that allows photography in certain areaswhile restricting it in others. This approach balances the desire to share the museum's wonders with the need to protect sensitive artifacts and respect copyright restrictions. Visitors are advised to check with staff about specific photography rules in each area.

The architectural significance of JP Tower and its connection to Intermediatheque

The JP Tower, which houses the Intermediatheque, is a remarkable blend of historical preservation and modern architecture. The building incorporates elements of the original Tokyo Central Post Office, a structure that has been a landmark in the Marunouchi district since 1931.

The preservation of the historic facade, with its distinctive white stone exterior and grand arched windows, pays homage to Tokyo's architectural heritage. This classic design stands in stark contrast to the sleek glass skyscraper that rises behind it, creating a visual representation of Tokyo's blend of tradition and modernity.

Inside, the Kitte Marunouchi complex, which includes the Intermediatheque, continues this theme of contrast. The museum's interior design cleverly incorporates elements of both the building's postal history and its current function as a cultural space. Visitors might notice repurposed postal furniture or architectural details that hint at the building's past life.

This architectural setting provides a fitting backdrop for the Intermediatheque's eclectic collection. The juxtaposition of old and new in the building's design mirrors the museum's approach to displaying artifacts from various time periods and disciplines side by side.

Special exhibitions and the intriguing "Grey Cube" space

While the Intermediatheque's permanent collection is a treasure trove in itself, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that further expand its scope and appeal. These special exhibitions often focus on specific themes or showcase collections from other institutions, providing fresh perspectives and new reasons to visit.

One of the most intriguing spaces within the Intermediatheque is the "Grey Cube". This area, located on the upper floor, stands out for its modern, futuristic geometric design. The Grey Cube serves as a flexible space for hosting temporary exhibitions and special events.

What makes the Grey Cube particularly fascinating is its commitment to unexpected juxtapositions. Even when hosting a specific exhibition, the space always features at least one seemingly unrelated permanent item. This could be anything from a vintage scientific instrument to a piece of contemporary art, creating thought-provoking contrasts and connections.

The special exhibitions and the Grey Cube embody the Intermediatheque's philosophy of challenging traditional museum paradigms. By constantly introducing new elements and unexpected combinations, the museum encourages visitors to question their assumptions and make new connections between disparate fields of knowledge.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the world around you, the Intermediatheque offers a truly unique museum experience. Its blend of academic rigor, artistic presentation, and interdisciplinary approach makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tokyo's rich cultural landscape. As you plan your visit to this hidden gem, remember that each trip to the Intermediatheque promises new discoveries and fresh perspectives on our world's diverse wonders.

For those interested in exploring more of Japan's cultural offerings, consider visiting other Japan Museums or delving deeper into the country's history and art through Books on Tokyo Japan. The Intermediatheque is just one of many fascinating cultural experiences waiting to be discovered in this vibrant city.