KORIYAMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART

The museum is set in a beautiful location just outside of Koriyama City. Construction was completed in June 1992, with an aim “..to allow citizens to appreciate excellent works of art, enabling them to have a deeper understanding of life and culture so they can enjoy richer lives as citizens. Displayed in the museum are local as well as modern works of international prominence and quality.”

The surrounding environs were designed by a renowned landscape architect and are in themselves worth the trip to the site. The building boasts a spacious interior, and has excellent access for disabled patrons.

The art exhibits are housed in 4 permanent exhibition rooms. Displayed in the four rooms are British art, modern Japanese art (post Meiji Era), local art from the Koriyama area, and books of block printing and glass crafts. In addition, there is a temporary exhibition room, where collections of wourld’s prestige art are displayed.

Added to these impressive facilities are a studio, used for lectures, movies and concerts, and a lecture room, where courses are periodically held with an aim to stimulate and deepen an interest in art. A library is also available, with audio-visual facilities, foreign and domestic art magazines, technical books and books of paintings all available for the public to use at no charge. There is also an excellent cafe where one can soothe those aching limbs and enjoy a pleasant meal in attractive surroundings.

The permanent exhibits are very impressive. Again, there is much British art on show. Original classic landscapes from Turner and Constable rub shoulders with interesting pieces, such as selections of work from Sir Alfred East’s trip to Japan in the late 19th century. The contemporary works include a collection of pieces by David Hockney, and a sculpture by Henry Moore. All this and equally impressive pieces by Japanese artists. The glass work is especially interesting, as the artist, Junshiro Sato, was a Koriyama resident and developed his techniques over a long career. Consequently, his work has a distinctive style.

The museum is closed on Mondays ( If that falls on a national holiday, then the museum will be closed the next
day. ). The museum is closed over the New Year period 28th December to 4th January. Opening hours are 9:30am to 5:00pm. Entrance fees are \200 for adults, \130 for high school students, and free for junior high and younger.

The number 10 Bus leaves Koriyama Station for the Bijutsukan (art gallery) and takes 15 minutes. A new road has been completed construction to provide improved bus connections to and from the city centre. There are free parking facilities for 130 cars. For more details call the museum at 024-956-2200.