21 21 DESIGN SIGHT MUSEUM | Tadao Ando

21_21 Design Sight is a design museum in Tokyo conceived by architect Tadao Ando and completed in 2007. The building is notable for how discreetly it occupies its site, with most of its interior spaces constructed below ground to preserve the openness of the surrounding park. Above the surface, the museum is defined by a sharply angled steel roof that appears to float lightly over the landscape, creating a strong geometric presence without overwhelming its context. Exposed concrete walls, a signature of Ando’s work, form calm and precise interior galleries. Natural light enters through large glass planes and a sunken courtyard, softening the concrete surfaces and guiding movement through the space. The architecture emphasizes simplicity, spatial clarity, and harmony between built form and environment. The museum is focused on design, rather than fine art, but what is included is quite broad. Expect exhibitions on fashion, architecture, industrial design, graphic design, and more.