The Glass Ceiling
We renovated the ceiling louvers to revive architect Tange Kenzo’s original vision. Now, depending on the season and the hour, the large space can be enjoyed in the natural light streaming from above.
Features of the renewal
Jiyu Area:
For everyone to feel at home
The area around the Grand Gallery, the large open space symbolizing our museum and accessible free of charge, is being transformed into a Jiyu Area now freer and larger than ever. Introducing the highlights of the Jiyu Area that exemplify our open museum, where everyone is welcome, and anyone can feel at home, as listed below.
The New Elevator
We have newly installed a transparent elevator with an open feeling, providing visitors with a new route to the exhibition floor.
Art Library
The previous Art Information and Media Center has been moved to the ground floor, transformed into a new, light-filled space. From picture books about art to scholarly art books, anyone can use the library resources free-of-charge.
(Scheduled to open November 2024)
Gallery 8 and Gallery 9
We constructed two new galleries by the spacious plaza that require no museum admission. The glass walls lining Gallery 9 allow viewers to enjoy the art from outside the museum.
The Museum Cafe and Shop
Utilizing the comfortable area facing the spacious plaza, we are updating the cafe and shop selling original merchandise. We welcome cafe and shop visitors, no museum admission required.
(Scheduled to open November 2024)
The Grand Stairway Area
Inspired by the stairway landing that expands on both sides, we will exhibit sculptures on the themes of Round and Square from around the museum’s facilities. It will be an area suitable for conversing about and considering the sculptures that also promotes education while bringing Workshop studio practice into view.
(Scheduled to open after February 2025)
Originally Designed Furniture
Based on inclusivity workshops for people with various disabilities, we designed original, Yokohama Museum of Art furniture, intended to comfortably accommodate all people. The colors are selected from the granite used across the museum.
(Installation completed by February 2025)
The Maru-maru Lounge
A new area will open for enjoying cafe drinks and conversation while seated at originally designed tables and chairs, viewing the art and architecture.
(Scheduled to open after February 2025)
Safe Spaces for Young Children
We have added nursing rooms inside the museum and installed a hot water server for baby formula. After February 2025, we will open a new area designed to be enjoyed with children to comfortably accommodate whole families.
Jiyu Area Extended to the Exhibition Floor
The Jiyu Area has been expanded to the foyer leading to the exhibition rooms. Everyone from children to adults can freely enjoy the space while looking out over the Grand Gallery. It will also be partitioned into workshop spaces and rest areas.
(Scheduled to open after February 2025)
The Open Space Facing the Spacious Plaza
We are also installing tables and stools originally designed for outside the museum. Visitors can relax and enjoy the museum and the harbor breezes in the outdoor space.
(Scheduled to open after February 2025)
The Big Square Bulletin Board
We have newly installed a Big Square bulletin board that can also serve as a meeting point. Situated beside the museum entrance, it will feature user-friendly exhibit information to welcome visitors.
Interior and Exterior Signage Renewal
Since the museum opened its doors over thirty years ago, we have designed a variety of signage. Concurrent with our renovations, we have renewed all our interior and exterior signage, deliberately designed for easy additions and revisions. The key words are Change and Open.
