A museum where you can appreciate the works of masters of modern Japanese art, including Ibaraki-born giants Taikan Yokoyama and Shunso Hishida.
The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, a prefectural museum located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, opened on October 1, 1988. Designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura, this museum nestled on the shores of Senba Lake boasts a beautiful landscape where modern architecture harmonizes with the natural environment. The museum houses approximately 4,000 masterpieces of modern and contemporary art from Japan and abroad, including works by Ibaraki-born artists such as Taikan Yokoyama and Shunso Hishida, who significantly contributed to the development of modern Japanese art. Taikan Yokoyama was one of the leading figures in the Japanese art world, particularly known for his landscape and flower-and-bird paintings. Shunso Hishida was a pioneer of modern Japanese painting, renowned for his realistic style. At the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, you can admire representative works by these artists. The museum also possesses numerous works by European artists such as Monet and Renoir, making it a must-see collection for Western art enthusiasts. In the surrounding area, you'll find many historical structures, including Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens, and Mito Castle, the former castle town of the Mito clan, offering opportunities for culturally enriching exploration. The Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Modern Art is a place to enjoy not only the museum itself but also the surrounding environment. Be sure to visit!