On the third floor of the mixed-use building at the entrance to the Kamitori Arcade and not far from Kumamoto Castle, there is a space where anyone can easily immerse themselves in modern art. In addition to the fascinating special art exhibitions held here, there are many free permanent exhibitions as well as a home gallery featuring everything from art books to manga.
《Library for Human Use》©Marina Abramović《Modus Vivendi -Pieta-》©Marina Abramović/Ulay
From art books to manga, this library and rest area is a place where visitors can enjoy a variety of books (for viewing only), lectures, concerts, music, and screenings.
It is representative of the art gallery as a place surrounded by artwork with space for lively performances.
A bright gallery with large windows that face the blue sky.
By putting on well-designed art exhibitions and actively sharing information about art, this creative space will stimulate your intellectual curiosity.
Whether it's picking up information and leaflets on exhibitions from all over Japan or reading the shelves of manga, art, and urban development-themed books, there are many ways to enjoy your time here.
Original museum items and exhibition-themed goods are on sale here.
The store boasts an array of products, including items inspired by art museums from around the world, art supplies, postcards, accessories, as well as art-related goods and unique trinkets.
Here you can see free exhibitions such as the "Ide Nobumichi Memorial Gallery," which features the works of Kumamoto-born Western-style artist Ide Nobumichi, alongside “Gallery III,” a special exhibition for Kumamoto and Kyushu artists.
Whenever you visit, you'll be sure to feel refreshed by the pieces on display.
At the art museum, the gallery isn't the only place where you can see art.
Each visitor’s art experience begins the moment they enter the building when they are greeted by the works of four internationally active artists that are integrated into every corner of the building.
At the Home Gallery is a light canopy that illuminates the library.
No matter how rainy it is in Kumamoto, the sky is always blue here.
Every evening at 7:30 pm, the light changes colors for 15 minutes and envelops the room.
James Turrell
Born in 1943 in Los Angeles, USA, Turrell is known as an artist who can draw out all five senses by lighting a space to invoke a mysterious feeling.
There are three chairs and two beds built into the shelves of the Home Gallery, forming a unique space in which visitors can even fall asleep.
In this quiet atmosphere, why not take some time to collect your thoughts?
Marina Abramović
Born in 1946 in Belgrade, in the former Yugoslavia, Abramović is known for orchestrating performances and installations that question the meaning of communication.
Underneath an inconspicuous looking staircase, you'll notice a space full of light and mirrors. Take a peek through the two windows found above and below you.
Let yourself be reminded of the pure and fresh air brought on by spring rain and the rich breath of life that comes from it.
Yayoi Kusama
Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1929, Kusuma started her career in the 60s in New York City. Her polka dot exhibitions (pieces painted with dots) and avant-garde performances have been held in many countries all over the world.
Installed right in the middle of the entrance hall is a pillar with flashing LEDs that represent the heartbeat of the art museum.
Each of the numbers here represent the age of a human.
The absence of zero is based on the artist's notion that age zero is not death (or nonexistence); rather, it is the period in which we are getting ready to be reborn.
This piece reminds us that everything in life is connected and eternal.
Tatsuo Miyajima
Miyajima was born in Tokyo in 1957, and his works feature LED light arrangements of blinking numbers ticking up and down that express his unique view of the world.
This is a space where parents and children can freely drop by and play while cultivating artistic awareness and creativity.
With great toys, wooden playthings, and picture books to inspire imagination, there is plenty for parents and their children to enjoy.
Childcare advisors are on hand from 10 am until 3 pm so parents can get advice and talk about anything they would like to.
Breastfeeding rooms, baby strollers and a kids’ lounge are all available so parents with children can fully enjoy their time at the art museum. The museum also holds a wide range of events for expectant mothers and their families and friends, including special tours and picture book reading sessions.
〒860-0845 3F Bipuresu Kumanichi Hall, 2-3 Kamitori-cho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto
TEL 096-278-7500 FAX 096-359-7892
Business Hours: 10 am - 8 pm (Last entry into exhibitions is 7:30 pm)
Holidays: Tuesdays (if it is a holiday, we will be closed on the following workday instead) & Japanese New Year’s Holiday
Museum Entrance Fee: Free (excluding exhibitions that charge a fee)
Exhibition Fee: Subject to change depending on the exhibition.
* Group discounts are available. Free for children of junior high school-age or younger.
For details, please inquire or check the website.
There are many other places besides those listed here where you can deeply immerse yourself in the history and culture of Kumamoto.
Use the link below to jump to the Sightseeing Search Page, where you can try out a keyword search!