Kure City Museum of Art

Overview

The Kure City Museum of Art opened in August 1982 (Showa 57). Constructed as part of the 80th-anniversary celebrations of Kure City's establishment, it's situated within Irifuneyama Park. The museum building is modeled after Meiji-era Western architecture. Its design, including the kare sansui (dry landscape) garden in front, the honkawa yosemune-zukuri (gable roof) style, the tortoise-shell patterned brick tiles, and the Italian marble interior, complements the scenery of the Irifuneyama Memorial Hall in the same park. The museum houses numerous domestic and international modern and contemporary art pieces, including Antoine Bourdelle's "Hercules the Archer" and Pierre-Auguste Renoir's "Girl with a Straw Hat." It also showcases works by local artists, offering a glimpse into Kure City's cultural heritage. The museum holds several collection exhibitions and special exhibitions each year. Collection exhibitions allow visitors to appreciate the museum's prized possessions, while special exhibitions introduce works under various themes, offering new discoveries and inspiration. The surrounding area features historical and cultural attractions like the Irifuneyama Memorial Hall and Bijutsukan-dori (Museum Street). The Irifuneyama Memorial Hall is the former Kure Naval Base Commander's Official Residence, preserving its Meiji-era architectural style. Bijutsukan-dori is a slope developed before the museum's opening, selected by the Ministry of Construction as one of Japan's 100 best roads and a recipient of the Tezukuri Kyo-do Sho (Handmade Local Award). The Kure City Museum of Art is a captivating place to engage with art and experience history and culture. We highly recommend a visit.