Akita Museum of Art
秋田県立美術館
Art you look at slowly, in a building that is part of the exhibit.
What this place is
Akita Museum of Art (秋田県立美術館 平野政吉コレクション, Akita Kenritsu Bijutsukan Hirano Masakichi Collection) is an art museum in the city of Akita.The original Akita Prefectural Museum of Art was opened on May 5, 1967.The new museum was opened on September 28, 2013.The main exhibit is a collection of works by Tsuguharu Foujita from the collection of the Masakichi Hirano Art Foundation.The museum has two additional galleries for rotating exhibitions.The triangular-shaped building was designed by award-winning architect Tadao Ando.Some features of the museum architecture include a free-standing staircase and a triangular skylight which greet visitors as they enter the building.There are also glass panels along one side of the building on the second floor where the museum shop and cafe are, which offer views of Senshu Park (the former site of Akita Castle).
Akita Museum of Art (秋田県立美術館) is one of the standout places to visit in Akita. Give yourself unhurried time for photos, seasonal views, and nearby food stops. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA cover most trains and city buses.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- A collection strong enough to draw visitors from outside the region, shown in generous, quiet space.
- Architecture treated as artwork — light, concrete, water and landscape used deliberately.
- Installations and outdoor works you can walk around, photograph, and sometimes step inside.
What you can do here
- Start with the permanent collection, then decide how much time the special exhibition deserves.
- Walk the outdoor sculpture area — often free and open longer than the galleries.
- Sit in the museum café or library; both are usually designed as part of the visit.
- Check the shop for artist editions and design goods you will not find elsewhere.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
- 10-minute walk from JR Akita Station.
- Nearest station/stop: Akita.
Good to know before you go
- Photography is often allowed for the collection but banned for loaned special exhibitions.
- Advance timed tickets are common for headline shows — book online before travelling.
- Large bags go in the free lockers at the entrance.
Traveler reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how it went.