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
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)
Galleries 1-7 are located one floor up from the Grand Gallery, and Galleries 8 and 9 face an open plaza.
Special exhibitions are held in Galleries 1-3, and collection exhibitions in Galleries 4-7. The galleries are equipped to accommodate works that require strict temperature and humidity control, as well as large-scale installations. Galleries 2 and 5, positioned across from each other, feature soaring seven-meter ceilings echoing the circle and square motifs used throughout the Yokohama Museum of Art building design.
Galleries 8 and 9 are mainly used to introduce the collection and are free to the public. （The photos were taken before the renovation.）
Art Library （Scheduled to open in November, 2024）
Facing the spacious 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
The space hosts a variety of programs, mainly centered on our collection, designed for a diverse range of people from children to senior citizens. It is also used for volunteer activities.
Lecture Hall （Scheduled to re-open in November, 2024）
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）
A cozy space facing the spacious plaza. Please look forward to its opening!
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.
