The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower

The Museum of Modern Art will present a focused exhibition dedicated to the 50-year lifespan of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, a groundbreaking project by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa (1934–2007) that was located in Tokyo’s Ginza District from 1972 until 2022. The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower, on view from July 10, 2025, through July 12, 2026, in MoMA’s street-level galleries, will present capsule A1305 alongside nearly 45 pieces of contextual material that showcase the evolving and unexpected uses of the building. These materials include the project’s only surviving model from 1970–72; original drawings, photographs, and promotional ephemera; an archival film and audio recordings; interviews with former tenants; and an interactive virtual tour of the entire building. Marketed as micro-dwellings for commuting businessmen, the building was composed of two interconnected concrete-and-steel towers that hosted 140 single-occupancy “capsules,” each fully equipped with prefabricated fixtures and a Sony color TV. Once located on the highest floor of the building, capsule A1305 is fully restored with the maximum number of original fittings salvaged from other rescued capsules, including the full array of audio electronics that were offered as add-on features. The capsule, one of only 14 restored in their original condition after the building was dismantled in 2022, was acquired by MoMA in 2023. MoMA members will have the opportunity to enter the capsule during a number of special activation events.

The Many Lives of Nakagin Capsule Tower is organized by Evangelos Kotsioris, Assistant Curator, with Paula Vilaplana de Miguel, Curatorial Associate, Department of Architecture and Design.

Support for the exhibition is provided by the Annual Exhibition Fund. Leadership contributions to the Annual Exhibition Fund, in support of the Museum’s collection and collection exhibitions, are generously provided by Jerry I. Speyer and Katherine G. Farley, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, the Sandra and Tony Tamer Exhibition Fund, the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Alice and Tom Tisch, the Marella and Giovanni Agnelli Fund for Exhibitions, The Contemporary Arts Council of The Museum of Modern Art, Eva and Glenn Dubin, Mimi Haas, The David Rockefeller Council, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz, Kenneth C. Griffin, The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art, Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis, and Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder. Major funding is provided by The Sundheim Family Foundation.