Jul 10, 2025–Jul 12, 2026
MoMA
Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa revolutionized urban living with the Nakagin Capsule Tower, completed in 1972 in Tokyo’s Ginza district. This innovative structure, consisting of 140 prefabricated, single-occupancy capsules attached to two concrete-and-steel cores, epitomized the principles of Metabolism—a forward-thinking Japanese movement envisioning adaptable cities and architecture evolving over time.
Originally designed as compact dwellings for commuting businessmen, the capsules quickly transcended their initial purpose. They became dynamic spaces serving as second homes, offices, art studios, dormitories, tea rooms, libraries, galleries, and even DJ booths. This flexibility highlighted the tower’s role as a living experiment in modular architecture and urban adaptability.
Although the building was controversially demolished in 2022, its legacy endures. This exhibition centers on a fully restored capsule from the tower’s top floor, accompanied by original drawings, models, photographs, films, and interviews with former residents. Together, these materials explore how Kurokawa’s modular design transcended its prototype purpose to become a symbol of creativity, community, and preservation debates, inviting contemporary reflection on architectural innovation and its evolving social functions.
