A cultural facility with a historical atmosphere, preserving the original Meiji-era brick building.
The Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Cultural Exchange Hall is a beautiful cultural facility in the heart of Kanazawa City, housed in a stunning Meiji-era brick building. This building, formerly the Fourth Higher School, is designated as a national important cultural property, holding significant historical value and attracting many visitors. The hall comprises two fascinating facilities: the Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Hall, showcasing the history of the former Fourth Higher School, and the Ishikawa Modern Literature Museum, exhibiting literary materials related to Ishikawa Prefecture. The Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Hall features the Shiko Exhibition Room, displaying the history of the Fourth Higher School from the Meiji to Showa periods. It also includes a multipurpose room, which houses a former classroom and is used for lectures and other events, as well as a retro experience room equipped with vintage chairs and tables. These exhibits offer insights into the lives of past students and the educational system of the time. You can even step back in time and experience what it was like to attend a class in a retro classroom. The Ishikawa Modern Literature Museum showcases the works and personal belongings of literary figures with ties to Ishikawa Prefecture, including Kyoka Izumi, Shuusei Tokuda, and Saisei Muroo. The exhibits provide a journey through Ishikawa's literary history and the unique worlds of these authors. Visual and audio materials related to literary works are also on display, offering a deeper understanding of their creative universes. Both museums offer free areas to explore, making them perfect for history and literature buffs, as well as anyone who appreciates a touch of retro charm. If you're visiting Kanazawa City, be sure to include the Ishikawa Shiko Memorial Cultural Exchange Hall on your itinerary!