About this museum

The center of Kagoshima's culture and history

The Kagoshima City Museum of Art is located at the remains of the second bailey of Tsurumau Castle; the castle where the Shimazu clan, daimyo of the Satsuma Domain, once resided. Located at the foot of Mt. Shiroyama, it is a place that was central to the historical development of politics and culture.

The Kagoshima City Museum of Art opened in 1954 as an art museum that held historic documents. As the only public art museum in the prefecture it accumulated a unique collection and contributed to the promotion of art culture in the region through projects such as exhibitions.

Due to the wishes of the citizens and the diversification of the museum's activities, the former museum was demolished and a new building was erected. The new museum was opened on the 29th of October 1985. The Museum of Art operates with the aim of collecting, preserving, and exhibiting pieces from artists with local connections, as well as Western art from the end of the 19th century to the present.

 

The basic objectives of the Kagoshima City Museum of Art

• While focusing on the art of local artists, this museum collects, preserves, and exhibits pieces from both international and domestic artists from the end of the 19th century until the present.
• The museum fulfills the function of an art news center as well as a space for artistic activities as experts open the museum for wide access to citizens. It is a place that calms the mind and is open to anyone who wants to visit.
• It is a base of forward-looking art culture with a rich, natural atmosphere.

The history of the Kagoshima City Museum of Art

September 1954

The former Museum of Art opened.

June 1957

The former Museum of Art Annex, donated by Yohachiro Iwasaki, was completed.

September 1982

The design for the new museum was consigned (jointly-designed by Takeo Sato Architecture Office and Kawamoto Architectural Design Office).

December 1982

The former museum was demolished.

March 1985

Construction of the new museum completed.

October 1985

The remodeled museum opened.

November 1986

Won the 1986 27th Building Contractor's Society Award

April 1996

Opening hours extended.

April 1997

Gallery talks begin.

January 2004

The annual opening day moved to January 2nd.

April 2009

Kagoshima City Art Fund Regulations executed.

August 2013

Reached 5 000 000 visitors (since remodeling).

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Update day：2023年7月27日