As the art world descends on Asia this week for the return of Frieze Seoul, mega gallery Pace has announced that it will be expanding its presence within the region by adding a new permanent location in Tokyo. Opening in spring 2024, the latest gallery will be situated in the heart of the city at the burgeoning Azabudai Hills — dubbed a “Modern Urban Village”, which will feature a state-of-the-art complex of skyscrapers, intermixed with lush greenery, restaurants, and shops.
The upcoming gallery will occupy 3,000 square feet of space across three floors designed by Japanese architect, Sou Fujimoto, who is hailed in Japan and Europe for previously working on the Musashino Art University Museum and Library in Tokyo, and the 2013 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London.
Japan has long served as a muse for Pace founder Arne Glimcher, since the American art dealer first visited the country in the 1960s. Pace CEO Marc Glimcher shares his father’s sentiment, noting that “Tokyo’s increasing importance in the Asian art ecosystem has become even clearer. As one of the great capitals of the world it is a place where ancient and modern cultures combine with an incredibly vibrant contemporary art scene.” With artist and collectives such as Lee Ufan, teamLab and Yoshitomo Nara in their global roster, the Japanese influence has arguably never been stronger within Pace’s programming.
“We believe it is time for Japan to take its place again as one of the most prominent collecting communities in the world, and I hope that Pace can play an important role in that growth.” In addition to exhibition spaces on the first and second floors, Pace’s Tokyo gallery will also boast a terrace on the third, which will open up to scenic views of Azabudai Hills, which was designed to evoke an image of rolling hills.
In related news, Takashi Murakami to host ‘Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego’ in San Francisco.
Pace
Azabudai Hills
Tokyo, Japan
