“A cultural icon for Fukuoka Prefecture.” That’s what architect Sato Takeo hoped the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art would become. Let’s step inside and explore its history.
The Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art opened its doors in 1985. It stands in Fukuoka Japan. However its story began earlier. Its precursor was the Fukuoka Prefectural Cultural Hall. This hall combined an art museum with a library. It opened in 1964. The location was Suzaki Park in the Tenjin district.
One year after opening the cultural center hosted a Tutankhamen Exhibition. It drew about 590000 attendees. Imagine the lines of visitors stretching into Suzaki Park. They wrapped around the fountain multiple times.
The culture center showcased diverse art forms. These included modern Japanese painting western-style painting sculpture and crafts from Fukuoka Prefecture. These efforts laid the groundwork for the museum’s current activities.
After about two decades the culture center was split. The art museum underwent renovations. It reopened as the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art on November 3 1985. The inaugural exhibition was titled Visions of Contemporary Art Transforming Imagination. The library reopened in 1983. It became the Fukuoka Prefectural Library. Its new location was the Hakozaki neighborhood.
Since its reopening the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art has hosted many exhibitions. These exhibitions introduce diverse art forms. They come from Japan and around the world. The focus is on artists connected to Fukuoka Prefecture. The museum’s collection includes about 10000 works.
The museum has three main collection areas. These are modern Japanese Western-style painting painting materials of the Ogata family and crafts. Fukuoka Prefecture produced many Japanese Western-style painters. They helped modernize painting in Japan in the late 19th century. The museum’s collection includes works by Sakamoto Hanjiro Takashima Yajuro and others. The museum has one of the greatest collections of Takashima Yajuro’s work in Japan. It totals about 140 pieces.
The painting materials of the Ogata family are a designated cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture. They include about 4700 pieces. The Ogata family served the Kuroda clan during the Edo period. The collection shows the spread of the Kano school of painting in Fukuoka.
The museum’s craft collection includes Hakataori textiles Kurume Kasuri cotton and Agano and Koishiwara wares. It also houses the former Kuga Collection. This collection contains about 400 old ceramics from Kyushu.
In recent years the museum has received large donations. These include works by Kagoshima Juzo Toyofuku Tomonori and others. The museum continues to enrich its collection. It works with artists and institutions.
The Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art also offers programs for children. These include the School Museum program. The museum also organizes the Traveling Collection. This brings art to communities throughout the prefecture. The museum provides opportunities for residents to display their work. It holds the Fukuoka Prefecture’s Art Festival every fall. It also rents out its exhibition rooms.
The museum has an art library on the fourth floor. It contains about 40000 volumes. These include exhibition catalogs art books and art magazines. Information on art-related events is also available.
So as we leave the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art remember its commitment to showcasing local talent. It preserves artistic heritage and promotes art appreciation throughout Fukuoka Prefecture. Its a true cultural icon.