Recall that building with the reddish stone. That is the \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u677e\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928. It is also known as the Shoto Museum of Art. This museum stands in the quiet residential area of Shoto.
The \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u67e5\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928 focuses on exhibitions. It also holds public exhibitions related to Shibuya. You can also find painting exhibitions here. The museum hosts concerts and art classes. Until March 2010 visitors could relax in the Salon de Muse. It was a tea room on the second floor. People could view the art while enjoying refreshments.
The building itself is a work of art. Shirai Seiichi Research Institute designed it. Takenaka Corporation handled the construction. Its walls are made of Korean granite. This granite has a reddish tint. Bronze grills and Japanese Judas trees decorate the exterior. A copper roof completes the design. The building’s center features an outdoor atrium with a fountain. Exhibition rooms encircle this open space.
Shibuya City established the \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u677e\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928 in 1981. It opened on October 1st. The city approved a budget almost double the standard for its construction.
When it was built, the building height was limited to 10 meters. This was due to the \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u677e\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928 location in a residential area. Architect Shirai Seiichi addressed space needs by designing two floors above ground. He also added two floors below ground. The design minimized the number of windows facing the outside. Natural light comes mainly from the central atrium.
The \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u677e\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928 also includes a hall. It facilitates art classes. There is also a library for research. These additions reflect the community’s desire for a comprehensive art space. The museum aimed to be a place for locals to gather. They could admire art and study together. The Salon de Muse was created for this purpose. It provided a space to relax and appreciate art. The \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u677e\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928 also organizes smaller exhibitions. They showcase local Shibuya artists.
Notable artists in the museum’s collection include Kiichi Ishida. Others are Kizo Kaihara and Takayasu Ito. Mitsuko Iida and Seishi Omagari are also featured. Contributions from Kodo Enchi and Isao Kakehi are also present. Yasuzo Nojima and Shinzo Fukuhara have artwork here. Katsushiro Murata and Tadashi Murabayashi are represented too. Chuji Yasui and Unkai Yamaguchi round out the collection.
The \u6e0b\u8c37\u533a\u7acb\u677e\u6fe4\u7f8e\u8853\u9928 stands as a testament to community. It reflects the passion for art and thoughtful design.