Originally opened in 1961, the museum has based its activities on the ideal of "Lifestyle Art." Now the Suntory Museum of Art has started anew at Tokyo Midtown. Based on a new message of "connecting with beauty, unlocking beauty," the museum plans exhibitions of paintings, ceramics, lacquerware, glasswork, and dyed textiles. Visitors will be able to enjoy the true beauty of these pieces in a casual atmosphere.

This is a design research center, a place to think about design, and a place for craftsmanship. Its aim is to create a movement to increase awareness and understanding of design. Everyone involved in design, including designers, corporations, employees, engineers, and consumers, can use this space to exchange ideas.

Let design make for a better 21st century Japan. Three things are necessary in order to create powerful designs: industry that cares about design, not just technology; a business-oriented view by designers; and the cultivation of internationally focused designers. The design hub will try to make these things happen, while also being a place of design-focused craftsmanship. The Tokyo Midtown Design Hub was conceived to spread Japanese design around the world.

Two art directors, Toshio Shimizu and Jean Hubert-Martin, have chosen artwork for Tokyo Midtown created by artists from around the world. Tokyo Midtown can be seen as a garden where many different cultures come together, resulting in a new relationship between city and art. The main focus of the facility's artwork is two pieces by the sculptor Kan Yasuda, who is currently residing in Italy. These pieces, "Ishinki" and "Myomu," warmly greet visitors to Tokyo Midtown.