SPOTLIGHT ON: IMCC TOKYO 2025
The IMCC in Tokyo, Japan, 2025
Earlier this year, Jared Mensah, one of our Directors at Greenway Associates and our go-to expert on cultural projects, travelled to Tokyo to attend the International Museum Construction Congress (IMCC), held in April 2025. This global gathering brings together professionals from across the world who are shaping the future of museums, galleries, and cultural spaces.
Set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s dynamic architecture and centuries-old cultural heritage, IMCC 2025 brought together thought leaders, architects, designers, and museum clients for four days of dialogue, discovery, and exchange. From civic design and sustainability to procurement strategy and storytelling, the programme tackled the pressing questions facing cultural infrastructure today.
As specialists in cost and procurement for the museums and heritage sector, we were proud to be part of this year’s conversation, bringing insight from our project experience and learning from peers around the world.
Before we even left the UK, our team got busy with creating a set of postcards as gifts for all the IMCC delegates. The Japanese custom of small gift giving is one we love, and we were happy to get on board! This small gesture sparked some fun conversations and shared a bit of our personality with the global museum community.
Day 1: Welcome Reception & Walking Tour
The congress opened with a relaxed evening reception at Hotel Indigo Shibuya, where attendees from around the world gathered to reconnect, share anticipation for the days ahead, and take in the energy of Tokyo’s vibrant cultural scene. It was a warm and welcoming start to the congress, with inspiring conversations between people from all over the world and across different parts of the museum and design world.
For those arriving early, a curated architectural walking tour of Tokyo’s key cultural landmarks was also offered. This optional excursion set the tone for the congress, showcasing the intersection of history, innovation, and urban design that characterises the city. It also provided early glimpses into some of the themes that would be explored in depth throughout the week, such as adaptive reuse, placemaking, and the evolving role of museums in civic life.
Day 2: Nezu Museum - Civic Purpose & Regenerative Design
The first full day of sessions took place at the elegant Nezu Museum, itself a prime example of how traditional aesthetics and contemporary architecture can coexist beautifully. Discussions centred on how museums can evolve beyond their foundational roles into civic institutions with deeper social relevance.
Highlights included the keynote session “From First Generation to Re‑Generation”, with speakers such as Hiroko Kusunoki (Moreau Kusunoki) and Lisa Havilah (Powerhouse Parramatta), who spoke about evolving institutional identities, community engagement, and designing with empathy. Another session explored “Cultural Infrastructure and Social Capital”, examining how physical spaces and programmatic decisions can reinforce public trust, dialogue, and well-being.
Days 3 & 4: Collaboration, Sustainability & Looking Ahead
The final two days of IMCC Tokyo took place across the National Art Center, Mori Art Museum, and Artizon Museum, shifting the focus to practical strategies and forward-thinking approaches in museum design and delivery.
Sessions explored everything from rethinking the design competition process, led by the British Museum’s Alice Fraser and Alex Surguladze, to navigating cultural adaptation through case studies like “A Bridge from Oman to Osaka”, with contributions from Japan House London and BLR World.
By the final day, the tone turned reflective. At the Artizon Museum, speakers shared candid lessons from recently completed projects, highlighting how institutions are balancing cost, sustainability, and changing visitor expectations. A common thread across both days: collaboration is key to resilient, future-ready cultural spaces.
As cost consultants working at the heart of cultural and museum projects, IMCC Tokyo reinforced just how essential it is to align design ambition with long-term value. The congress highlighted the increasing complexity of delivering museum buildings that are socially responsive and environmentally conscious, all while staying within realistic budgets.
“An inspiring trip to Japan! My highlights included experiencing some of Japan’s rich culture through interactions with locals and sharing insightful ideas with museum professionals from around the world. My only regret is not having sufficient time to explore the vast and diverse culture that Japan has to offer.”
We’re already looking forward to the next chapter: IMCC Copenhagen, taking place from 2–4 November 2025. This year’s European edition promises another exciting programme of talks, case studies, and discussions, spotlighting some of the world’s most innovative cultural projects.
We’ll see you there!