[Towada City, Aomori Prefecture] An oasis of art that resonates with the future! Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art 　

Towada Art Center is a contemporary art museum located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture.

Opened in 2008, it has both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, and displays contemporary art works by various artists from Japan and abroad, including Yayoi Kusama.

The museum is a popular tourist spot as it houses a large collection of works that can be enjoyed not only by art lovers, but also by people who are not particularly interested in art.

Modern architectural design by Junya Ishigami

The architectural design of the Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art, created by Junya Ishigami, an architect active both domestically and internationally, is characterized by a simple yet beautiful design that uses glass and concrete as the main materials.

Exhibition rooms are arranged independently as ``houses for art'' and are connected by glass corridors. This independent arrangement creates an architectural space tailored to each artwork and allows for a close relationship between the artwork and the space.

Additionally, the building's large and small volumes create continuity with the streetscape and create outdoor exhibition and event spaces.

Visitors can experience both indoor and outdoor spaces at the same time, and the exhibition space has large glass openings that give it an open feel, creating the feeling that the artworks are being displayed towards the city.

“Machinaka Permanent Exhibition” is an outdoor exhibition space that can be viewed for free.

At Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art's outdoor exhibition space, ``Machinaka Permanent Exhibition,'' you can view many artworks for free, and the atmosphere is like a park where you can enjoy art.

Furthermore, Towada City Hall Street, which the museum faces, is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees and is crowded with cherry blossom viewing visitors in spring.

This line of cherry blossom trees is also one of the attractions of visiting the Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art, allowing visitors to enjoy art as the seasons change.

Recommended collection works

Choi Jeong Hwa “Flower Horse”

When you visit the Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art, you will be greeted by the vibrant horse sculpture ``Flower Horse,'' which has become a symbolic work.

This work was created by Korean contemporary artist Choi Jeong-hwa, and with its bright colors and unique form, it quickly captures the eyes of visitors.

Ron Mueck "Stending Woman"

The work that left the most impression on me was ``Standing Woman'' by Australian contemporary artist Ron Mueck.

Not only the realistic representation of the woman, but also her enormous size creates an impact that overwhelms the viewer.

The attention to detail and the incredible realism and gap in size make this piece so impressive.

Yayoi Kusama “Love is Forever Singing in Towada”

“Love Sings in Towada,” displayed in the outdoor exhibition space, is a work by Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan's leading artists.

The colorful polka dot patterns and shapes that are instantly recognizable as Yayoi Kusama's work perfectly express her unique worldview. 

Erwin Blum “Fat Car” and “Fat House”

``Fat Car'' and ``Fat House'' by Austrian artist Erwin Blum are designs that exaggerate ``houses'' and ``automobiles,'' which symbolize the ever-expanding consumer society, and serve as a wake-up call to the problems of modern society. It's ringing.

The base car used in "Fat Car" is a brand car called "Saturn" that was once developed by GM.

Although it was introduced in Japan, it sold very little, so it is a rare and valuable car in Japan.

Collaboration with local communities

The Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art develops art projects that are rooted in the culture and climate of the local Towada City and Aomori Prefecture, and we value collaboration with the local community.

Events such as workshops and lectures are held for local artists, students, and the general public to participate, and artworks are created and exhibited using locally sourced materials.

In addition, the museum strives to improve the attractiveness of the region through promoting local tourist spots and specialty products and collaborating with local businesses and local governments.

Through initiatives like these, the Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art is deepening its ties with the local community and contributing to the development of culture and art.

Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art <Information>

• Name: Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art
• Address: 1-1 Sanbongi, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 034-0082
• Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
• Closed: Mondays (closed the next day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
• Admission fee: 1,800 yen (temporary exhibition change period: 1,000 yen)
• Official URL: Towada City Museum of Contemporary Art official website

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