A museum showcasing the architectural beauty of a Tadao Ando-designed building and a compelling collection of contemporary art. Its seaside location is also a major draw.
The Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, opened in 2002, is a successor to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, which was damaged in the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. Architect Tadao Ando's design, featuring exposed concrete, is a modern masterpiece worth seeing in its own right. The museum's interior layout, with its winding pathways, makes the building itself a part of the art experience, enhancing the display of contemporary works. Furthermore, in 2019, the Ando Gallery, a permanent exhibition space showcasing Ando's architectural models and drawings, opened its doors. The museum boasts a collection of over 7,000 pieces, encompassing a wide range of genres including Western and Japanese paintings, sculptures, and prints. Rotating special exhibitions ensure there's always something new to discover. Adjacent to the museum is a spacious park offering a relaxing space with refreshing sea breezes. The breathtaking ocean view from the museum provides a sense of nature amidst the urban setting. With its blend of Ando's architecture, contemporary art, and stunning ocean vistas, the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kobe.