About Us
The Yokohama Museum of Art opened to the public on November 3, 1989.
One of the largest art institutions in Japan, the Museum is known for its iconic architecture by Tange Kenzo. Our space consists of the expansive Grand Gallery, a total of nine gallery spaces, the Art Library that holds over 240,000 art-related books, the Workshop Studios hosting a wide range of workshops for children and adults, and a free area open to all to come inside to enjoy.
Located in the international port city of Yokohama, the Museum focuses on collecting and exhibiting modern and contemporary art created since the late 19th century, when the port of Yokohama opened, alongside many special exhibitions.
We hope you enjoy your visit to our Museum, surrounded by the history and the new spirit of Yokohama.
About the Facilities
The building of the Yokohama Museum of Art, with its distinctive symmetrical stone exterior, was designed by the late Tange Kenzo, one of Japan’s leading architects.
A long colonnaded corridor stretches across the 180-meter façade on either side of the building, with the eye-catching eight-story semicylindrical columns, and exhibition rooms arranged around the central space, the Workshop Studios at the right end of the building, and the Art Library at the left end, symbolizing the museum’s philosophy of See, Create, and Learn.
Grand Gallery (Schedule to re-open in February 2025)
This symbolic space within the Yokohama Museum of Art boasts a spacious 16-meter-high atrium entrance built with an abundance of granite and a staircase-like exhibition space that stretches approximately 63 meters on either side. The entrance is also used to host events and receptions to welcome many visitors.
The Galleries (Exhibition Rooms) (Gallery 8 & 9: Schedule to open in November 2024, Gallery 1 – 7: Schedule to re-open in February 2025)
Rise from the Grand Gallery to the third floor, and seven galleries await. Galleries 1-3 usually present special exhibitions and Galleries 4-7 exhibitions from the museum collection, but their configuration may, of course, change, depending on the nature of the exhibition.
Galleries 8 and 9 are on the entrance floor (2F). Gallery 9, which was added during the museum’s major renovation, is a glass-walled exhibition space that lets visitors view the exhibits from outside, from the Art Plaza. Both galleries are in the free-admission area called “Jiyu Area”; works from the collection will primarily be on view.
（The photos were taken before the renovation.）
Art Library （Scheduled to open in November, 2024）
Facing the spacious Art Plaza, our Art Library collects, organizes, and stores books, magazines, and other materials related to art. The library holds over 240,000 volumes of domestic and international exhibition catalogs, specialized books, magazines, and video materials, and is open to everyone free of charge. （The photo was taken before the renovation.）
Children’s Workshop （Scheduled to re-open in November, 2024）
A specialized facility for children from preschool age to 12 years old to encounter art through creative experiences. Programs for schools and for the public focusing on creative activities and appreciation of art. Activities are mainly held in the three studios– the Multipurpose Studio, the Craft Studio, and A.V. Studio – and in the courtyard. （The photo was taken before the renovation.）
Citizens’ Workshop （Scheduled to re-open in November, 2024）
This facility offers activities for those 12 years of age and older to deepen their familiarity with art through creative experiences and other activities. The fully-equipped Painting Room, Sculpture Room and Printmaking Room offer a variety of programs unique to the museum throughout the year under the guidance of artists and professional staff. （The photo was taken before the renovation.）
Project Space
This space hosts a variety of programs, mainly centered on our collection, that are designed for a diverse range of people, including children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Lecture Hall （Scheduled to re-open in February, 2025）
This 240-seat hall is designed for art and cultural activities, including exhibition-related events, lectures, concerts, plays, and more. It is also available to the public on a rental basis.
Museum Shop and Cafe （Scheduled to open in November, 2024）
The museum shop and cafe are a pleasant space facing the spacious plaza in front of the museum. An admission fee is not needed to use them.
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (last order in the cafe: 17:30)
Administration
From April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2033, for the third administrative phase, the Yokohama Museum of Art will be operated by Yokohama Arts Foundation.
