Repurposing an Old School

3331 ARTS CYD

By Sherilyn Siy

Community writer

Now transformed into the trendy 3331 ARTS CYD

An Illustration event last September 16, 2018

Unique gifts featuring original artwork by emerging artists at the 3331 CUBE shop & gallery

An architectural model, made to scale. One of the exhibits on the 2nd floor gallery.

It's difficult to believe these used to be classrooms.

With a shrinking population and a low birth rate, more and more schools in Japan are closing and merging together with other schools. The Rensei Junior High School in Chiyoda was one such school that had to close down in March 2005. In 2010, it was reopened as 3331 ARTS CYD, a trendy art and community space that is a great example of how an old building can be repurposed into a creative hub and thereby revive the local area. Since its opening, 3331 ARTS CYD has hosted countless cross-disciplinary exhibitions, events, programs, and markets (over 3800 activities to date, according to the brochure!). There is something new happening every week and it is worth checking in regularly.

1 minute walk from Tokyo Medtro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station (Exit 4). 3 minute walk from Toyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station (Exit 6). 6 minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Ueno-Okachimachi Station (Exit A). 7 minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station (South Exit). 8 minute walk from JR Akihabara Station (Electric City Exit).