Nakagin Capsule Tower: Unique Exhibit at the MoMA!

The Nakagin Capsule Tower remains one of the most iconic and futuristic buildings in Japan’s architectural history. Let’s explore its revolutionary design and why it was demolished.

We’ll also examine how MoMA in New York is bringing its story to life through a restored capsule. The exhibition offers a rare chance to step inside and experience Kisho Kurokawa’s bold vision firsthand, so don’t miss it! 

What was the Nakagin Capsule Tower?

The Nakagin Capsule Tower was a famous facility in Tokyo’s Ginza area. Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed it, and it opened in 1972. When it was built, the architecture looked like it had come straight from the future. It had two concrete blocks with 140 small capsules attached to them. Each capsule was about the size of a small room and came with a bed, a desk, and a round window. People used them as tiny homes or offices.

The big idea behind the design was flexibility. The capsules were meant to be replaced or upgraded every 25 years, so the building could always stay modern. This concept was part of the Metabolist movement, which imagined cities that could grow and change like living organisms. Some famous designs related to this movement include the Kyoto International Conference Center and the Shizuoka Press & Broadcasting Centre.

For many years, the structure symbolized bold and creative design. Because of its unique look, it appeared in movies, books, and art. Tourists and architecture fans worldwide visited it to see this one-of-a-kind experiment in small-space living. However, in 2022, the tower was demolished. 

Why was it demolished?

Over time, the complex became old and hard to maintain. The capsules were meant to be replaced every 25 years and never changed. Renovating them would have cost huge money, and no one wanted to pay for it. The tower also had serious safety problems, like asbestos, water leaks, and outdated plumbing. These issues made it uncomfortable to live in and risky to keep standing.

Another big problem was ownership. Each capsule had its own owner, so the facility had hundreds of owners. This made it hard to agree on big decisions, like repairs or upgrades. Some people wanted to save the building, but others wanted to sell the land because Ginza’s property value was extremely high. Developers were interested in building new projects on the site.

Preservation groups and architecture fans tried hard to protect the structure. They launched campaigns, signed petitions, and suggested turning it into a cultural heritage site. Unfortunately, these efforts failed. In 2018, plans to redevelop the area were made, but due to the pandemic, those plans also didn’t work out. So, in 2022, the demolition began.

Even though the complex is gone, it hasn’t disappeared completely. Some of the capsules were saved. They are now being restored and displayed in museums around the world. This way, people can still experience this piece of architectural history and learn why it was such an essential symbol of the future.

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Nakagin Capsule Tower exhibition at MoMA NYC

Although the Nakagin Capsule Tower no longer stands in Tokyo, its story continues at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. In 2025, MoMA opened an exhibition called “The Many Lives of the Nakagin Capsule Tower” to showcase this groundbreaking piece of architecture. The show’s centerpiece is a fully restored capsule from the original building, carefully transported from Tokyo to New York for visitors to experience.

The restored capsule looks almost exactly as it did in 1972. Inside, visitors can see the built-in bed, desk, storage units, and the iconic round window that once faced the busy streets of Ginza. This small space captures Kisho Kurokawa’s vision of modern living: compact, efficient, and designed for a fast-changing urban world.

The exhibition also shares the structure’s history through photographs, drawings, and films. It explains how the building became a symbol of Japan’s Metabolist movement and why it fascinated architects and designers for decades. Visitors can learn about its construction, the dream of replaceable capsules, and the challenges that eventually led to its demolition. 

Restoring and transporting the capsule was a significant effort. Experts dismantled it in Japan, shipped it across the ocean, and carefully rebuilt it inside MoMA.

For anyone interested in architecture, design, or Japanese culture, this exhibition offers a chance to experience a real piece of the Nakagin Capsule Tower. Although the building no longer stands in Tokyo, its bold ideas about flexible, modular living continue to inspire people worldwide. The exhibition lasts through July 1st, 2026. 

The Legacy of Kisho Kurokawa’s Vision

Kisho Kurokawa was a leading figure in Japan’s Metabolist movement, and the Nakagin Capsule Tower became his most famous creation. He aimed to design buildings that could adapt over time, replacing only small parts, like the capsules, instead of the entire structure.

This idea was revolutionary in the early 1970s, when cities rapidly expanded and most developers focused on large, permanent buildings. The capsules reflected his vision: compact, practical, and designed for the fast pace of city life.

Although the structure no longer stands, Kurokawa’s ideas influence architects worldwide. Modern modular systems, prefabricated housing, and tiny homes echo his concepts. Small apartments are also becoming popular again, partly because influencers share their experiences with compact living online on various social media sites.

Kurokawa believed architecture should balance people, technology, and nature. Today, as cities face limited space and environmental challenges, his vision feels more relevant than ever. The MoMA exhibition celebrates this legacy, showing how a bold 1972 design still inspires the future of housing.

Why is the Nakagin Capsule Tower MoMA Show in NYC important?

The MoMA exhibition brings the Nakagin Capsule Tower to life for visitors worldwide. A restored capsule shows Kisho Kurokawa’s vision of flexible, compact living. The exhibition preserves his legacy, highlights the Metabolist movement, and inspires architects and designers.

It also sparks reflection on how cities can adapt, modern housing can evolve, and bold ideas from the past can influence the future. What’s the smallest apartment you ever lived in? Let us know in the comments below!