Kasama Nichiido Museum

Overview

The Kasama Nichiido Museum was established by HASEGAWA Jin and Hayashiko, the founders of Nichiido Gallery, to commemorate their 45th anniversary and golden wedding anniversary. It is located in Kasama, a place with special significance to the Hasegawa family. As art dealers for many years, the couple cultivated close relationships with numerous prominent artists. This led to the museum's impressive collection of masterpieces of modern European art, including works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Picasso, as well as a significant collection of Japanese modern and contemporary art. The museum's collection of palettes used by famous domestic and international artists is particularly noteworthy. These palettes were gifted by the artists themselves, forming a unique collection unparalleled in the world. The museum is divided into various areas, offering diverse experiences: the French Gallery, Japanese Gallery, Special Exhibition Gallery, and Outdoor Sculpture Garden. The French Gallery features a wide range of permanent exhibits of prominent French artists, from European Impressionism to the École de Paris. The Japanese Gallery showcases works by Western artists who significantly influenced Japanese modern painting. The Special Exhibition Gallery hosts four to five special exhibitions annually with diverse themes. The Outdoor Sculpture Garden displays 19 works by leading Japanese figurative sculptors, along with a bamboo grove and other Japanese garden elements. The museum is surrounded by other fascinating sightseeing spots, such as Kasama Inari Shrine and Kasama Art Forest Park, so consider extending your visit to explore the area.