national art gallery

I think everybody probably takes the same pictures of this place, but here are some shots of the new National Art Center in Roppongi. The facade features a wavy glass wall of windows that, when I was there, cast nice patterns of light on the floor; though, the most interesting feature is the use of enormous inverted cone shapes, accessed by small walkways on the second and third levels. However, the interest stops there, as they funtion only as restaurants, which is decidely a dull thing to perch on such a magnificent place. The funniest was the line of people waiting to eat at the third level french restaurant. We estimated that the line would be at least two hours long. Is it that good, I wonder? I suggest they remove the eateries and instead use the space for the exhibition of artworks; it is after all a gallery. But, I don't think space is an issue: apparently it's massive inside--we only viewed the free rooms which featured a small variety of objects and images (mostly regarding architecture, coincidentally). When there's a show I'm interested in, I'll check out the other spaces, but I think the architectural fanfare is for the front area, food joint cone stands. They are pretty cool though...

the third level restaurant

the front of the line

main floor seating area,
and second floor cafe.