Ancient Orient Museum

About Ancient Orient Museum

Established on March 31, 1977, and opening its doors on October 5, 1978, the Ancient Orient Museum (Kodai Orient Hakubutsukan) is a unique institution in Japan dedicated to the ancient civilizations of the Near East and Hellenism. It is located within the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, and stands out for its focus on the ancient oriental world’s cultural and historical significance.

Founded by Hiroki Imazato, and influential businessman from the 1950s to 1980s, the museum continues to display its collection and contribute to archaeological research, such as excavations at Dālverzin Tepe in Uzbekistan.

The museum’s collection, comprising approximately 4,000 items, includes archaeological artifacts and artworks from Western and Central Asia. Visitors can find treasures from the Silk Road, Greco-Buddhist art, and items from Palmyra and Persia. The museum not only presents these pieces but also fosters understanding of the cultures and histories of the regions they originated from.

The displays range from the Old Stone Age of West Asia and Egypt to the Sassanian Empire, featuring pottery, jewelry, statues, and more. Some of the most significant pieces include cuneiform tablets, a mummy and funerary objects from Egypt, and pottery from Persia, enlightening visitors on the daily life, religious practices, and societies of these ancient civilizations.

Regular special exhibitions and educational programs are offered, enriching the museum experience for both local and international visitors. For a comprehensive visit, attention to the cuneiform tablets and the Egyptian mummy is recommended.