In this paper we typologically clarify the characteristics of the relationship between exterior spatial composition and the conditions of location in contemporary Japanese museums. Firstly we analyzed their exterior spatial composition by volumes accompanied with articulated outside spaces, and with internal functions. Secondly we analyzed their conditions of locations by their topographical features and the surrounding elements. Thirdly we analyzed the relationship between the exterior spatial composition and the conditions of locations, and found several typological features characterized as 'contrast of outside void space and volume shape, which is including exhibition space,''spatial arrangement regardless of internal functions on plane and open location,''insertion of void space in crowded location,''composition of separated volumes on sloped location,''public spaces on the ground level of sloped open location.' In the conclusion, we pointed out that the formal composition is found in the contemporary Japanese museum buildings, which is defined by the interactive relationship between exterior volumes, their internal functions, and conditions of location.
