Since its founding in 1995, the gallery had been based in Minami-Aoyama. However, due to land speculation and redevelopment driven by preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, we were compelled to leave our long-standing location. At a time when we were uncertain about our future, architect Tsutomu Abe kindly introduced us to a residence he had designed in Komagome- LAS CASAS, a reinforced concrete three-story building completed in 1994.

Mr. Tsutomu Abe had long been a valued client and an exceptional art collector. Thanks to his deep understanding of art, the residence—though originally designed as a private home—offered a refined and thoughtfully crafted environment, well-suited for exhibiting artworks. Komagome, our new location, is a historic residential neighborhood, home to cultural landmarks such as Rikugien Gardens and the Toyo Bunko Museum located just nearby.

Mr. Tsutomu Abe is an architect who trained at the SAKAKURA ASSOCIATES architects and engineers Architectural Institute, placing him in the lineage of Le Corbusier. While not a direct disciple, he held deep admiration for Frank Lloyd Wright and considered him a personal mentor in spirit. Wright’s influence can be clearly seen in the design and character of Abe’s residential architecture. After co-founding Archi-Vision Architectural Institute Co., Ltd with Tadahiro To and Jiro Murofushi, Mr. Abe went on to establish ARTEC architects & associates Co., Ltd. in 1984 together with Mr. Murofushi.

In 1985, Mr. Abe received the 4th JIA Newcomer’s Award for Tateshina-so Lene Side Stanley. Subsequently, through his independent practice, he was honored with the prestigious JIA 25-Year Architectural Award a record six times for the following works: My House, Gohongi House, House in Utsukushigaoka, Kagawa Archives & Resource Center, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd., and House in Sakuradai.

He has also authored numerous publications, including “House with a Center (Living, Eating, Dwelling: A Book About Homes for Children)” (2005, Index Communications), “Designing Kitchens for an Enjoyable Life” (2014, SHOKOKUSHA Publishing Co., Ltd.), and  “Home with a Center: 50 Years of Architect Tsutomu Abe’s Own Residence” (2022, Gakugei Shuppansha Co., Ltd.). He is also well known for having taught at institutions such as Waseda University Science and Engineering, Tokyo University of the Arts, and Joshibi University of Art and Design English.

Mr. Tsutomu Abe passed away on January 10, 2023, at the age of 86. However, LAS CASAS remains a masterpiece of architecture that continues to embody his spirit. We warmly invite you to visit if you are in the neighborhood.