Thursday 10 September, ahead of the fair’s public opening, marks the invitation-only preview evening known as the “Vernissage.” Galleries from around the world gather here, presenting the works they’ve prepared for this day for the very first time. Alongside gallerists, collectors and artists, the venue fills with an electric, first-night energy — a “Vernissage” ticket is an invitation to this one special evening, held just once a year.
Beyond the chance to see the works first, a special performance awaits. An evening to experience art with more than just your eyes — in a class of its own.
The “Vernissage” ticket also comes with benefits that make the most of this fair period.
Enjoy the Fair, Across All 4 Days
A “Vernissage” ticket grants entry to this special evening, and admits its holder freely during general admission from 9 to 13 September as well — with priority entry at opening time each day. The time usually spent queuing becomes time spent with the art instead. Each day also brings a different talk programme or performance, so no two visits are quite the same.
Raise a Glass with Perrier-Jouët
With the “Vernissage” ticket, enjoy a glass of champagne from Perrier-Jouët, Tokyo Gendai’s Official Champagne Partner.
Perrier-Jouët is one of the most historic Champagne houses in France founded in 1811 in Epernay. Known for its elegant, floral style crafted primarily from Chardonnay, the Maison embodies a deep connection to nature and art. In 1902, artist Emile Gallé created the iconic anemone design that became the brand’s symbol. Since then, Perrier-Jouët has collaborated with renowned artists, blending heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity to offer a distinctive Champagne experience celebrated around the world. With a glass of its floral, delicately refined champagne in hand, the art gathered here from around the world takes on an extra shine.
*Champagne will be served at the Perrier Jouët booth. Please collect your voucher from the information desk outside the venue (concourse) on the day
Tokyo Gendai Art Pass — Enjoy Art “Beyond the Walls”
This year’s “Vernissage” ticket comes with the Tokyo Gendai Art Pass — a ticket-exclusive benefit that opens the door to the best of art and culture happening right now, beyond the walls of the fair.
Soho House Tokyo Special Access Pass
Soho House Tokyo, a private members’ club located in Omotesando, opened its doors in April as the brand’s first location in Japan. Designed for individuals with a creative mindset, this exclusive space is accessible only to members and their guests. The interior showcases an impressive art collection of works by 40 Japanese and Japan-affiliated artists, including Yuko Mohri, Ryoji Ikeda, and Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, brought to life through careful collaboration with Soho House, including custom-commissioned pieces. Enjoy an inspiring time in the refined club spaces or by the infinity pool.
Available to enter: 12-30 September (except Tuesdays)
*Please collect your ticket from the information counter outside the Tokyo Gendai venue (concourse), then complete the separate online registration.
Address: 3-8-35 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Official site: https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-house-tokyo
“Ron Mueck”
@Mori Art Museum
Known for sculptures made far larger, or far smaller, than life, Australian-born contemporary artist Ron Mueck creates works born from meticulous observation and philosophical reflection. His pieces render the quiet — and sometimes overwhelming — sides of the human condition: loneliness, vulnerability, anxiety, with astonishing scale and presence. Japan’s first major solo show of his work in 18 years, the exhibition features 11 works including his large-scale work Mass. Six of these are on view in Japan for the first time, including an early representative piece, Angel (1997) — a rare opportunity not to be missed.
Available to enter: 10–13 September (Thu–Sun) 10:00–22:00
*Open at 9:00 on Saturday, 12 September and Sunday, 13 September
*Admission until 30 minutes before closing.
*To gain entry, please show the QR code displayed after purchasing your Vernissage ticket.
Address: Mori Tower 53F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Official site: https://www.mori.art.museum/en/
“Almost Sky: Jun Aoki + Richard Tuttle”
@Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
A two-person exhibition by artist Richard Tuttle and architect Jun Aoki. For Tuttle, art is “light” — a medium for sharing a truth, a beauty, a moment of fulfilment captured in an instant. For Aoki, architecture is “air” — the creation of open space that allows for the different values and paces each person carries. Between Tuttle’s art and Aoki’s architecture lies an affinity that lightly crosses into each other’s territory. Light and air — elements that fill the world — their collaboration merges the two while letting each remain itself, creating a space that is both open and playful. The exhibition draws out the latent potential of the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery space from both an artistic and architectural perspective, in ways not seen before.
Available to enter: 10–13 September (Thu–Sun) 11:00–19:00
*To gain entry, please show the QR code displayed after purchasing your Vernissage ticket.
Address: 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Official site: https://www.operacity.jp/ag/exh300/index_e.php
More benefits are on the way. Details to be announced.
The thrill of an art fair, a toast with champagne, and access to spaces that capture the best of art and culture right now — all of it, in a single ticket.
Available in a limited quantity of 50, the “Vernissage” ticket makes this year’s Tokyo Gendai even more special.
