Adachi Museum of Art is one of the most celebrated museums in Japan and it has been known for its collection of Japanese art. Located in Yasugi, Shimane, the museum was founded in 1969 by Zenko Adachi, a local businessman and art collector. The museum boasts a vast collection of more than 6,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and calligraphy. The museum also houses a library, café, and gift shop.
History of the Museum
Adachi Museum of Art was founded in 1969 by Zenko Adachi, a local businessman and art collector. Adachi was born in 1895 in the Shimane Prefecture and made his fortune as the owner of a successful lumber company. His lifelong passion for art led him to establish the museum, which was dedicated to his late wife, Matsue. The museum was initially established with only a few pieces of artwork, but Adachi gradually increased the collection over the years. Today, the museum boasts a vast collection of more than 6,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to modern times.
Collection
The museum’s collection includes works from a variety of genres, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and calligraphy. It features both traditional and modern works of art, ranging from the Edo period to the present. The collection is divided into two main categories: Japanese art and modern art. The Japanese art collection includes works by famous artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. The modern art collection features works by contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Tadanori Yokoo. The museum also houses a library, café, and gift shop.
Notable Exhibitions
Adachi Museum of Art has held many notable exhibitions over the years, including the “Japanese Art from the Museum Collection” exhibition in 2001, which featured more than 600 works from the museum’s permanent collection. The museum also holds special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by both Japanese and international artists. In 2016, the museum hosted the “Yayoi Kusama: Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow” exhibition, which showcased works by the renowned Japanese artist.
Awards and Recognition
Adachi Museum of Art has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Japanese Tourism Agency’s “Japan’s Best Tourist Attraction” award in 2005. The museum was also selected as one of the “100 Best Art Museums in the World” by the BBC in 2008. In 2010, the museum was included in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and received the prestigious “3 Star” rating.
Location and Hours
Adachi Museum of Art is located in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with extended hours on holidays. Admission is free for children under the age of 15, and discounts are available for students and seniors. The museum also offers free tours for groups of 10 or more.