Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art

The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art is a comprehensive art museum with a rich collection ranging from ancient to modern times. The exhibits blend nature and art, and include works depicting the scenery of Higo, evoking a sense of the relationship between people and nature. At the "Sakura Cafe" you can enjoy a carefully crafted cup of coffee. The branch museum is also worth seeing, with its architecture made using the Hetsu stone of Amakusa. If you have a disability certificate, you can enter for free!

The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art is characterized by its architecture that exudes a Showa-era retro atmosphere. The space is based on a heavy, engine-colored tone, and the vivid blue ceiling and brass lamps designed by Kunio Maekawa are impressive. You can also look back on post-war Kumamoto art from a variety of exhibits, and don't miss the four-story atrium entrance with full-paneling designed by Spanish architects Rafael Moneo and Elias Torres at the annex.

The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art exhibits Zen paintings by Hakuin and Sengai. The figures and animals depicted with a soft touch are very cute and can be enjoyed even when displayed in a room. In particular, Sengai Yoroku's "Nansen Kills a Cat" is a sarcastic painting that mocks Nansen, who killed a cat, and can be enjoyed with a sense of humor. At the "Hakuin and Sengai from the Hosokawa Collection" exhibition, you can fully enjoy the world of Zen paintings.

The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art is a treasure trove of art where you can enjoy a diverse collection ranging from Western to Japanese paintings. Not only art enthusiasts, but also beginners can appreciate the works on display. At the Kadocafe, you can take a break while enjoying a view of Kumamoto Castle. The annex building is also worth seeing, as it features architecture using Amakusa's Gotsu stone! Don't miss this opportunity to visit.

The charm of the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art lies in the exploration of "expressions" in artworks. The expressions of the people and lively animals depicted in the exhibited works are truly the worldviews that the artists have painted. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of collections, such as Zen paintings and Western paintings. You can also take a break in the cafe and enjoy the art. Please come and visit!