Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art Set to Open!A New Artistic Sanctuary Offering Moving Experiences
- Haruka Shimomura
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art will officially open its doors in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture. As one of the last prefectural art museums to be established in Japan, its opening—following nearly a decade of preparation—has drawn considerable attention from local residents.
In this article, we introduce the museum’s key features and details of its inaugural exhibition, ART OF THE REAL: Art Beyond Time – From Jakuchu to Warhol and Richter.
Nestled in a quiet setting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art is the perfect destination for anyone wishing to fully immerse themselves in art. Read on to discover the charm of this exciting new cultural hub.
(Interview and text by YAMAMOTO Chie)
What Makes the Museum Special
An Open, Light-Filled Design by Maki and Associates
True to its founding principle of “OPENNESS!”, the museum embodies its mission to remain accessible to all, not only in spirit but also through its architecture.
The museum features a spacious atrium that spans three floors, called the Hiroma, as well as a Kids’ Space where families with young children can relax. Sunlight pours into these open areas, creating an inviting atmosphere. The museum café, shop, and observation terrace are all freely accessible to the public—even without an admission ticket.
The building was designed by Maki and Associates, the renowned firm behind the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art. The firm’s founder, the legendary architect Fumihiko Maki, sadly passed away in June 2024, making this one of the final major museum projects he was involved in.
A Rich and Varied Collection from Local Artists to Global Masters
The museum actively collects works by artists with local connections, such as Kanji Maeda (born in what is now Hokuei Town), a genius in modern Western-style painting, and Shindo Tsuji (from present-day Hōki Town), a celebrated sculptor who opened new frontiers in his field.
It also houses significant works that illustrate the diversity of Edo-period painting, masterpieces from the Meiji through pre-war eras, and notable postwar art and cultural pieces.
Highlights of the collection include Sleeping Woman (Study) by Gustave Courbet, Church in Auvers by Yuzo Saeki, and Brillo Box by Andy Warhol, which will be featured in the museum’s opening exhibition.
Inaugural Exhibition: ‘ART OF THE REAL: Art through the Ages’
March 30 – June 15, 2025
The opening exhibition, ART OF THE REAL: Art Beyond Time – From Jakuchu to Warhol and Richter, will run from March 30 to June 15, 2025.
Divided into seven thematic sections:
Realism and Essence
Beyond Realism
Everyday Life
Material and Object
Events and Records
The Body as Reality
7. Epilogue
Rather than showcasing mere visual realism, the exhibition explores the many dimensions of “real” as depicted in art—whether emotional, exaggerated, abstract, or deeply personal. It includes around 180 works by Japanese and international artists, spanning from Edo-period masterpieces to contemporary pieces.
Among them are Jakuchu Ito’s Elephants and Whales Folding Screen (MIHO MUSEUM), Gerhard Richter’s Abstract Painting (648-1) (The National Museum of Art, Osaka), and Andy Warhol’s Brillo Box.
The fifth section features Yasumasa Morimura’s Brothers (A Late Autumn Prayer) from the museum's collection, inspired by Jean-François Millet’s The Angelus. According to Museum Director Shinichiro Ozaki, the work symbolizes the horrors and sorrow of war, while its composition mirrors that of The Angelus. It’s well worth a closer look.
For more information, visit the museum’s official website.
Don't Miss the Café & Museum Shop
After enjoying the exhibitions, relax at the museum café, GARDEN By SEVENDAYS CAFE, where you can enjoy refreshments in a space filled with natural light and surrounded by scenic views.
The café will also offer exclusive menu items in collaboration with the opening exhibition. One example is the "TART OF THE REAL," a classic cheese tart whose name playfully references the exhibition’s title. Be sure to savor its creamy richness and crispy crust.
The museum shop features unique items inspired by the museum’s logo and collection. A standout is the Brillo Box candy tin—boldly colorful and reminiscent of Warhol’s iconic work.
The shop also carries regional crafts from Tottori, art goods created at local welfare facilities, and items from the creative company HERALBONY, known for its motto “Unleash Uniqueness.”
New art experiences at the Tottori Prefectural Art Museum
Staying true to its “OPENNESS!” philosophy, the museum plans to actively engage with the local community through educational programs such as the Art Learning Lab (A.L.L.).
After the inaugural exhibition, the museum will host a variety of exciting events, including:
Mizuki Shigeru's Yokai Parade: How Monsters Were Born
The Beauty of Birds and Flowers in Japanese Art
CONNEXIONS – Artists in Connection
For those seeking a deep and quiet encounter with art away from the city, this new museum is well worth the journey.
Museum Information
Name | Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art |
Address | 2-3-12 Dakyojicho, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture 682-0816 |
Access from nearest station | 【Access from JR Kurayoshi Station】 ・Bus: Get off at the Museum Entrance stop (new from March 29), or get off at Kurayoshi Park Square North Gate and walk 3 minutes ・Taxi: About 9 minutes 【By Car】 ・From Okayama/Hiroshima: About 50 minutes from Yonago Expressway, Yubara IC ・From Osaka: About 1 hour from Innosho IC |
Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) |
Closed | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Opens March 30, 2025 *If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will close the following weekday. *Closed dates are subject to change. |
Admission | 【Special Exhibitions:】 Varies by exhibition 【Collection Exhibitions】 Adults: ¥400 (¥320 for groups) Students and seniors (70+): ¥200 High school students and under: Free Visitors with disabilities or in need of care, and their caregivers: Free |
Facilities | Family restrooms, multi-purpose toilets, elevators, escalators, kids’ area, nursing rooms, lockers Parking: 110 spaces available / Bicycle parking also available |
Official Website |
