Can art explain Godzilla? Tokyo’s new exhibit takes a shot

(Godzilla The Art Exhibition)

Explore cinema’s most iconic monster from a whole new angle at “Godzilla: The Art,” now showing in Tokyo. This is one encounter you can’t miss—after all, when in Tokyo, you have to meet Godzilla.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the King of the Monsters, this thought-provoking exhibition at the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills reimagines Godzilla through the lens of contemporary art. But this isn’t your typical film retrospective. Instead of retracing Godzilla’s cinematic history, the exhibition poses one bold, deceptively simple question: What is Godzilla?

A New Form for a Timeless Giant

(Scenes from the “Godzilla: The Art” Exhibit (TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.))

Ever since his first appearance in 1954, Godzilla has taken on many roles—metaphor, menace, savior, and pop culture icon. With each new film and filmmaker, the creature evolves, resisting any single definition. That fluid identity is precisely what this exhibition aims to explore.

Through a wide-ranging collection of contemporary works, “Godzilla: The Art” showcases how artists from Japan and around the world interpret the legendary kaiju. From sculptures to video installations, these pieces push past cinematic tropes to reveal Godzilla’s deeper symbolic impact.

Art Meets Special Effects

(「the One 一呉爾羅(仮設のモニュメント6)」小谷元彦 TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. © Motohiko ODANI)

Curated by Qiuyu Jin, the exhibition treats Godzilla as more than a character—it approaches the monster as art. Inspired by the stark message and experimental style of the 1954 original, Jin aims to spark new conversations. “I hope everyone will find their own version of Godzilla here,” Jin explains.

(TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.)

Visitors can expect immersive dioramas, interactive displays, and a brand-new short film by director Taichi Kimura—best known for his dynamic work in music videos and cross-cultural documentaries. Exclusive to this exhibition, the film offers yet another fresh take on the ever-changing creature.

Info & Tickets

Event Details

Dates: Until June 29, 2025
Location: Mori Arts Center Gallery (52nd floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower)
Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM daily (open until 8 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and April 26 – May 6; Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission:

Weekdays – Adults, university & vocational students: 2,200 yen / Middle & high school students: 1,500 yen / Ages 4 to elementary school: 500 yen
Weekends & holidays – Adults, university & vocational students: 2,500 yen / Middle & high school students: 1,600 yen / Ages 4 to elementary school: 600 yen
From May 7 - 30, 500 yen discount on weekday tickets after 5 PM

For details see the official website here

Book Now: GODZILLA THE ART Exhibition Ticket in Tokyo

Bonus Content: Films, Stickers, and Special Screenings!

To complement the exhibition, a special Godzilla film screening series will take place at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills from May 7 to June 18. The lineup (separate admission required) features digitally remastered classics and modern blockbusters:

May 21 – Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) 4K Remaster
May 28 – Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) 4K Remaster
June 4 – Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1993) 4K Remaster
June 11 – Shin Godzilla (2016)
June 18 – Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Whether you’re a lifelong kaiju fan or simply curious about pop culture’s biggest monster, “Godzilla: The Art” is an unmissable opportunity. Come prepared to rethink everything you thought you knew about the King of the Monsters—and maybe walk away with more questions than answers.

Via Live Japan

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