[Kobe City] The building itself is a work of art! The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, one of the largest in western Japan, designed by Tadao Ando

• Table of Contents
• One of the largest art museums in western Japan
• "ando gallery" where you can enjoy Tadao Ando's architectural models for free
• Check out restaurants and cafes
• basic information

One of the largest art museums in western Japan

Photo provided by: “Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art”

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art (hereinafter referred to as the "Museum") is a 10-minute walk from JR Nada Station and an 8-minute walk toward the sea (south) from Hanshin Iwaya Station. This facility was built as a symbol of recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and opened in 2002.

With a total floor area of ​​approximately 28,000 square meters, it is said to be one of the largest in western Japan.

Photo provided by: “Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art”

The road that connects Kobe City Oji Zoo to the ``Art Museum'' is called ``Museum Road,'' and one of the highlights is that you can enjoy the artworks while you are on your way to the ``Art Museum.''

Additionally, on the roof of the Museum, an object called ``Kobe Frog'' designed by Dutch artist Florentijn Hoffmann is on display. It is affectionately known as the "Beautiful Frog" and is a symbol of the museum.

The ``Museum'' has a collection of over 10,000 works of art from Japan and abroad, mainly by artists associated with Hyogo such as Ryohei Koiso and Heizo Kanayama. These works will be displayed sequentially in eight exhibition rooms on the first and second floors during special exhibitions and small exhibitions.

Photo provided by: “Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art”

There are many large-scale exhibitions, and from June 3rd (Saturday) to July 23rd (Sunday), 2023, a special exhibition titled “Encounters, Travels, and Life. Portrait of a Painter: Heizo Kanayama, a Master of Modern Japanese Western Painting” will be held. "Painters of the same era" is currently being held. You can also view representative works by Heizo Kanayama, a Western painter connected to Hyogo Prefecture, as well as paintings by artists with whom Kinpei had contact.

In addition, from July 11th (Tuesday) to July 17th (Monday/holiday), 2023, the special exhibition "Heizo Kanayama" and the collection exhibition will be free to view as part of "Hyogo Premium Art Day". Do not miss it. (*Currently closed)

After touring the exhibition rooms, be sure to visit the museum shop. The shop also sells original products from the museum shop, so be sure to check it out.

This is the "Sun Sister" die-cut sticker installed outside the "Art Museum." This is an original item from the museum shop, and includes three sizes of stickers.

Books signed by Tadao Ando are also on sale.

This "Premium Cheesecake" (594 yen) can only be purchased at the museum shop. This is a baked cheesecake made with Ako salt, and the package is very cute with a green apple design, which is a motif of Tadao Ando's youth.

"ando gallery" where you can enjoy Tadao Ando's architectural models for free

Photo provided by: “Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art”

The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is famous for being designed by one of Japan's leading architects, Tadao Ando.

The building, which was built facing the sea, has the typical Ando architecture of being made of poured concrete, and every part of the building is a popular photo spot.

What you can see on the ``Ocean Deck'' is the ``Green Apple'' object designed by Tadao Ando. The work is based on the poem ``Youth'' written by American poet Samuel Ullman, and many people seem to be taking commemorative photos in front of it.

Photo provided by: “Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art”

The "circular terrace" is a staircase that connects the underground parking lot, the entrance hall and gallery building on the first floor, and the outdoor space on the second floor. The spiral structure is impressive in that it looks like a whirlpool when viewed from above.

I want to fully enjoy the world of Tadao Ando! "Ando Gallery" is recommended for those who say so.

This space was created in 2019 by the donation of the building and deposit of exhibits by Mr. Tadao Ando, ​​and anyone can tour it for free.

The exhibition room displays architectural sketches, models, and photographs created by Tadao Ando.

There is also a bookshelf lined with books about Tadao Ando.

I also found a table with autographs.

There is also an area that introduces the ``Sumiyoshi Nagaya'' that served as the starting point for his career as an architect, and the ``Church of Light'', one of his masterpieces, making it a sight to behold. This is a recommended spot that many people, not just fans, should visit.

Check out restaurants and cafes

Inside restaurant Fortissimo

After visiting the museum, why not visit the restaurants and cafes and spend some time relaxing? There are two restaurants in the ``Museum'': ``Restaurant Fortissimo'' and ``Café Fortissimo''.

Photo provided by: Café Fortissimo/inside

Cafes are recommended for those who want a light meal such as drinking coffee and eating sandwiches and cakes, while restaurants are recommended for those who want a hearty meal.

A popular menu item at Restaurant Fortissimo is the ``Kobe Premium Pork Cutlet'' (2,000 yen). ``Kobe Pork Premium'' refers to sows raised at Takao Farm in Kobe on a diet with bread as the main ingredient. The juicy and sweet cutlet is characterized by its light taste and no odor.

Comes with rice or bread, miso soup or soup, and drink bar

In addition, this ``Tajima Beef Croquette A Lunch'' (1,800 yen) is a hearty dish that includes Tajima Beef Croquette, Tajima Beef Hamburger, and Fried Shrimp. The ocean can be seen outside the window, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Enjoy a delicious meal while talking about your impressions of the art exhibition.

basic information

cafe fortissimo

Business hours: 10:00-17:00 *Business hours may change temporarily.

Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)

Restaurant Fortissimo Business hours: 11:00-14:00 *Business hours may change temporarily.

Closed: Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)

*Café/restaurant business hours are subject to change, so please check the museum website.

Photo provided by: “Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art”

One of the highlights of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is that there are many large-scale exhibitions with attractive themes.

From Saturday, September 9, 2023 to Sunday, November 26, 2023, the special exhibition "Perfume Costume Museum" will be held, displaying the costumes worn by the three-person unit Perfume during live performances. (*Currently closed)

After taking a close look at the works and enjoying your time with the art, why not take a look at the outdoor exhibits at the adjacent Nagisa Park?

(Writer Nakata/West Plan)

*This article is information as of May 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.

basic information

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Address: 1-1-1 Wakihama Kaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture (within HAT Kobe)

Phone number: 078-262-1011

Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30)

Closed: Mondays (the next day if Monday is a public holiday), year-end and New Year holidays, and maintenance closed (July 24th to September 8th, 2023)

Access: Approximately 8 minutes' walk from Hanshin Iwaya Station (in front of Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art) Approximately 10 minutes' walk from the south exit of Nada Station on the JR Kobe Line Approximately 5 minutes' drive from Hanshin Expressway No. 3 Kobe Line Maya Ramp

Parking: Available (80 spaces)

HP: https://www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/

SNS: Instagram