The building was originally built as the residence of a businessman. Designed in a modernist style by Jin Watanabe. The reinforced concrete structure, with an exterior finish of mosaic tile, was turned into a museum of contemporary art in 1979. The addition was designed by Arata Isozaki. The unique building which reveals many influences of the European architectural styles of the 1920s and 30s stands today as a rare example of early-modern Japanese architecture.