Top Page > General Outline of TMAS ♦About Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (TMAS) opened in October 1990, with the objective of providing a venue for the further development art and culture for the citizens of Tokyo, and providing a platform for international exchange opportunities. TMAS is an arts and culture complex, with multiple facilities that can be rented by the public. The Main Hall was designed especially for classic music concerts and has one of the largest pipe organs in the world. The Medium Hall and two Small Halls are used mainly for straight plays, musicals, and dance. In addition, there are three exhibit spaces, conference rooms, and rehearsal rooms that are utilized for lectures and seminars, workshops, and other cultural activities. In addition to concerts and programs that are conducted by professional orchestras and arts organization, TMAS produces a number of concerts on its own. In conjunction with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, it stages high-quality performances such as “theater-opera” in a semi-stage format and other performances. Lunchtime concerts featuring the pipe-organ are held free to the public on a regular basis. There are also seminars for those interested in furthering their knowledge about the world-class organ with 9,000 pipes. As a unique facility for the performing arts that is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, and supported by the city of Tokyo, TMAS is in the process of gradually transforming itself. In July 2009, Hideki Noda, a prominent playwright, director, and actor, was appointed as the first artistic director of Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space to enhance its programs mainly in the field of theatre. Recently, TMAS is becoming more involved in planning and producing performances on its own. It is engaging outstanding artists and artistic entities to work collaboratively with the theatre. Education programs, such as workshops and seminars on performances, and events for children and young audiences are conducted by the staff and professionals. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space continues to offer a variety of programs, from new interpretations of classical works to experimental works transcending existing genres. From the spring of 2011, TMAS will undergo a renovation. Upon reopening in 2012, TMAS’ goal is to become an even more attractive and accessible institution for music and theatre performances while maintaining strong ties to the community and actively pursuing opportunities for international collaborations. ♦Flow chart of the facilities Address: 1-8-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Lot area: 13,290.44 Total area: 49,739.00 Structural type: ferroconcrete partly iron frame Number of floors: 4 floors underground, 10 floors above the ground Main facilities: 1.Hall facilities (1) Main Hall 1,999 seats (including movable ones) (2)Theatre 841 seats (3)Small Hall 1 300 seats (variable) (4)Small Hall 2 300 seats (variable) 2.Facilities for the creation of art and culture activities. (1)Rehearsal rooms 6 rooms (2)Conference rooms 9 rooms (3)Exhibition gallery 1 room (4)Exhibition room 2 rooms 3.Facilities to serve users Restaurants, tea/coffee shops, ticket vendors, fine arts shops, Music studio,car park (pay) 4.Facilities for the handicapped Elevators, wash-rooms ♦Installation purpose The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space was created by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in October 1990 for the promotion of art and culture such as music, theater, opera and dance, and international exchange activities for the benefit of the Tokyoites, following the Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall that had opened in 1961. In order to achieve these objectives, TMAS aims to accomplish the following: 1. Objective for the use of the facilities 2. Promotion of music, theater, opera, dance, etc. 3. Collection, categorization, exhibition, and utilization of materials relating to music and theater. 4. Activities, other than those enumerated above (1-3 items), which are deemed necessary to achieve these objectives. ♦History In May 1969, the site (11,036.42 )of Toshima elementary school attached to Gakugei University was acquired by the city from the nation, for the specified purpose of constructing cultural/physical education facility. In October 1970, the lot for the construction facilities was opened to children as a playground, and management of which was consigned to Toshima Ward. In November 1972, an informal gathering discussed the construction of a general art and cultural facility. In March 1974, the change of the specified purpose from a cultural/physical to an art/culture facility was approved. In May 1977, an informal meeting report on the construction of a general art/culture facility was presented. In March 1978, additional ground (3,981.22)was acquired from the nation. In November 1980, informal discussion meetings on the construction of a general art/cultural facility were revived. In January 1982, a report was submitted on the basic concept of a general art/cultural facility. In December 1982, it was announced that the project would be carried out within the framework of the fiscal resources amounting to ¥30 billion in the "Tokyo Metropolitan Long-range Plan˜. In August 1983, a management panel for the construction of an art/cultural facility was set up. In March 1984, the management panel report for the construction of the art/cultural facility was submitted. In March 1985, a basic design was commissioned (to architect Yoshinobu Ashihara) In April 1986, the execution of the design was consigned. In July 1987, construction work commenced (under the auspices of Taisei Corporation joint ventures). In August 1990, the construction work was completed at a total construction cost of ¥32 billion. In October 1990, TMAS was opened. In May 1991, the pipe organs were completed (by Marc Garnier, manufacturer ). In May 1991, Kazuyuki Toyama assumed the office as first Director. In April 1993, Yushi Odajima was appointed the second Director. In February 1999, TMAS monthly musical performances started. In May 1999, lunch-time pipe organ concerts started. In September 2001, Machizukuri/fureai (city planning and friendship building) concerts started. In April 2002, the jurisdiction was transferred from the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education to bureau of Citizen, Culture. In November 2007, Shigeo Fukuchi was appointed the third Director. In July 2009, Hideki Noda was appointed as the first artistic director. TMAS:Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space Top Page > General Outline of TMAS Copyright (C) 2003 The Tokyo history cultural property Foundation Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space All Rights Reserved.