Permanent Digital Art Shows at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

Immersive Projections at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Museum reopened after renovations on March 31, 2026.

As part of its fresh renewal, the museum's 3rd-floor Edo-Tokyo Plaza now serves as the stage for a spectacular permanent video projection program.

Designed and produced by the acclaimed creative studio LIL, the project transforms the museum’s massive 4,000-square-meter ceiling and pillars into a living device that connects historical Edo with modern Tokyo.

Traditional GRID: Massive Ukiyo-e Masterpieces in Motion

Utilizing the unique grid structure of the plaza's ceiling, this presentation dynamically displays over 70 iconic ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the museum’s collection, featuring artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Toshusai Sharaku.

Visitors can watch a giant Japanese sword race across the space before the canvas transitions into the powerful world of Sumo wrestling, a tribute to the local Ryogoku district.

The climax features a stunning 100-meter-scale animation of the iconic waves from Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji and the mythical crocodile-shark from Utagawa Hiroshige’s artwork, moving dynamically overhead.

Moving Pictures: Step Inside a Living Historical Scroll

Moving Pictures brings the daily lives, culture, and bustling streets of old Tokyo to life in 3D.

Based on massive historical picture scrolls and folding screens from the museum's archives, such as Prosperity of New Wine Cargo Ships Entering Port and All the Floats of the Kanda Festival, the projection features a cast of over 300 unique Edo citizens.

With no two characters sharing the same movement, the intricate, lively animation gives viewers the uncanny sensation of stepping directly inside a historical painting that has come to life.

Another Sky: A Time-Transcending Immersive Journey

This poetic, immersive art piece treats the massive architectural ceiling as a giant sky, charting a course from the modern four seasons back into the memories of Edo.

Scenic transitions of cherry blossoms, fresh summer greenery, autumn rain, and winter snow eventually give way to an old Edo sky filled with countless soaring kites.

The program reaches an exhilarating climax as a massive display of hand-drawn fireworks fills the night sky, enveloping the entire plaza in the energetic warmth of a traditional festival.

Edo-Tokyo Museum: Permanent Video Projection Program

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum, 3rd Floor (Edo-Tokyo Plaza)
Address: Tokyo, Sumida-ku, Yokoami, 1-4-1 (Adjacent to Ryogoku Kokugikan)
Program Length: Approximately 20 minutes (Includes LIL's three works alongside Traditional Colors and Memories of Edo)
Screening Schedule:
April–September: 19:00 / 19:20 / 19:40
October–March: 17:20 / 17:40 / 18:00 / 18:20 / 18:40 / 19:00 / 19:20 / 19:40
Official Website: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/
Projection Information: https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/news/projection-contents.html

Note: Screenings are subject to sudden changes or cancellation in the event of severe weather (such as strong winds) or equipment maintenance.

Information and photo source: PR Times