Iwate Museum of Art

Standing in the center of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, the Iwate Museum of Art celebrates the region’s most illustrious artists. The striking modernist building is a work of art in itself. In addition, a revolving series of temporary exhibitions brings a wider variety of art to the region. The Iwate Museum of Art makes the perfect stop in a tour of Morioka, alongside Sakurayama Shrine.

The Art of Iwate

Photo by: PIXTA/ austro See works by three of the prefecture’s greatest modern artists.

The second floor of the Iwate Museum of Art is home to pieces by three of the prefecture’s greatest modern artists: the painters Tetsugoro Yorozu and Shunsuke Matsumoto and the sculptor Yasutake Funakoshi.

Both Yorozu and Matsumoto painted in the yoga (Western painting) style, influenced by the European cubist movement. The museum showcases several of Yorozu’s bold works of portraiture alongside examples of his celebrated studies of nude and bathing women. Matsumoto, meanwhile, was best known for his expressive cityscapes, several of which can also be enjoyed here.

The sculptor Funakoshi, who converted to Christianity in his late thirties, explored the meeting of Christianity and Japanese culture in his sculptures. Visitors should make sure to see stand-out works such as Blue Fish and Hara-no-jo (Christian Samurai), which reflect this unusual theme.

The rest of the permanent collection showcases paintings, sculptures and crafts by other regional artists. Temporary exhibitions bring a more eclectic range of art to the museum, celebrating a wide variety of art from Japan and abroad. Special events such as art film screenings and music concerts are also held at different times throughout the year.

Architecture and Design

Photo by: PIXTA/ コノハ A work of art in its own right.

The Iwate Museum of Art building is a work of art in its own right. The dramatic contemporary structure is centered around the long, spacious curve of the Grand Gallery on the ground floor. Situated in Chuo Park beside the Shizukuishi River, the design opens up to fantastic views of Mount Iwate. Those who want to learn more about the building’s architectural design can do so on the Art Museum Walk Tour.

The museum restaurant serves Western-style dishes made using ingredients locally grown in Iwate. Diners can enjoy views of Chuo Park while sampling the region’s flavours. Gallerina, the museum shop, sells a range of books, prints and postcards featuring art from the museum collection and beyond.

The park is also home to the Morioka Memorial Museum of Great Predecessors and is a short distance from the Morioka Children’s Museum of Science.