This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
Towada Art Center is a contemporary art museum located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
Opened in 2008, the museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces and displays contemporary art works by various artists from Japan and abroad, including Yayoi Kusama
This museum is a popular tourist spot as it houses a large collection of works that can be enjoyed by art lovers as well as those who are not particularly interested in art
Modern architectural design by Junya Ishigami
The architectural design of the Towada Art Center, created by Junya Ishigami, an architect active both in Japan and abroad, is characterized by its simple yet beautiful design, which uses glass and concrete as its main materials
The exhibition rooms are arranged independently as a "house for art" and are connected by glass corridors. This independent arrangement creates an architectural space tailored to each artwork, allowing the artworks to have a close relationship with the space
Furthermore, the buildings, which have a variety of large and small volumes, create continuity with the streetscape and also create outdoor exhibition and event spaces
Visitors can experience both indoor and outdoor spaces at the same time, and the exhibition space has a wide, open feel with large glass openings, creating the feeling that the artworks are on display in the city
"Machinaka Permanent Exhibition" is an outdoor exhibition space that can be viewed for free
The Towada Art Center's outdoor exhibition space, the "Machinami Permanent Exhibition," has many artworks that can be viewed for free, creating an atmosphere that is like a park where you can enjoy art
Furthermore, the street in front of the museum, Towada City Hall, is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, and bustles with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing in the spring
This row of cherry blossom trees is one of the attractions of visiting the Towada Art Center, allowing visitors to enjoy art as the seasons change
Recommended collection works
Choi Jeong-hwa "Flower Horse"
When you visit the Towada Art Center, you will be greeted by the vibrant horse sculpture "Flower Horse," which has become a symbolic piece of the museum
This work, by Korean contemporary artist Choi Jeong-hwa, is captivating with its vibrant colors and unique form, instantly catching the eye of visitors
Ron Mueck "Stending Woman"
The work that left the biggest impression on me was "Stending Woman" by Australian contemporary artist Ron Mueck
Not only is the painting a realistic portrayal of a woman, but its sheer size also creates an impact that overwhelms the viewer
The incredible realism of the attention to detail and the contrast in scale make this piece impressive
Yayoi Kusama "Love is Eternal, Singing in Towada"
"Love is Forever, Singing in Towada," on display in the outdoor exhibition space, is a work by Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan's leading artists
The colorful polka dots and shapes that are instantly recognizable as Yayoi Kusama's works beautifully express her unique worldview
Erwin Blum "Fat Car" and "Fat House"
"Fat Car" and "Fat House" by Austrian artist Erwin Blum are designs that fatten up a house and a car, symbols of an ever-expanding consumer society, and sound a warning about the problems of modern society
The base car used for the "Fat Car" is a car from the "Saturn" brand, which was once developed by GM
It was introduced in Japan, but sold very little, so it is somewhat of a rare car in Japan
Cooperation with the local community
The Towada Art Center develops art projects rooted in the culture and climate of the local city of Towada and Aomori Prefecture, and values collaboration with the local community
The facility hosts events such as workshops and lectures that are open to local artists, students, and the general public, and allows for the creation and exhibition of artworks using locally sourced materials
The museum also works to increase the appeal of the region by promoting local tourist spots and local specialties, and by collaborating with local businesses and local governments on projects
Through these efforts, the Towada Art Center deepens its ties with the local community and contributes to the development of culture and art
Towada Art Center <Information>
Name: Towada Art Center
Address: 1-1 Sanbongi, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, 034-0082
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (if a public holiday falls on a Monday, the following day will be closed), New Year's holidays
Admission fee: 1,800 yen (1,000 yen during special exhibitions)
