While the Himeji City Museum is closed for long-term renovations, the "Museum in the City" outreach program brings art directly to the community. This program features 12 diverse events across four categories—Walking Tours, Lectures, Garden Events, and Workshops—held at various locations around the Himeji Castle area to keep art and culture accessible to visitors.
Highlights
Experience the city as a canvas! Highlights include walking tours to witness the craftsmanship of Myochin blacksmithing, expert lectures on artists like Claude Monet, and creative workshops such as making glass mosaics or Washi paper lampshades. You can even learn directly from museum curators for a deeper cultural experience.
Schedule
Programs run from August through November. Below is a selection of the schedule:
*Walking Tours**
Myochin Blacksmithing Tour: Sept 26, Oct 24
Museum Architecture Walk: Oct 10
Visiting Painted Locations: Oct 17
*Lectures**
Curator Talks on Collections (3 sessions): Aug 16, Sept 12, Oct 31
Claude Monet Commemorative Lecture: Sept 27
Archive Research Session: Oct 25
*Garden Events**
Andrzej Wajda 100th Anniversary Screening: Sept 22
Autumn Garden Time: Mid-October to Mid-November (Tentative)
*Workshops**
Glass Mosaic Art: Aug 11, Aug 13
Original Book Cover Design: Aug 26
Panel Crafting: Oct 3
Washi Paper Lampshade Making: Nov 3
Venues & Access
Venues vary by program. Key locations include:
*MONZEN QWELL (2F)** (Lectures)
*Himeji Literature Museum/Bokeitei** (Workshops)
*Machi-no-Eki Station** (Workshops)
*Museum Garden** (Garden Events)
*Other areas around Himeji Castle and Myochin Blacksmith shops**
Participation Tips
Many programs require advance registration via the Himeji City online portal or postcard. Most operate on a first-come, first-served basis or a lottery system. Since capacity is limited, we recommend checking early.
Essentials
*Reservations**: Most programs require prior booking. For lottery-based events, ensure you complete the process by the deadline.
*Clothing**: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the walking tours.
*Payment**: Small fees (approx. 400–500 JPY) may apply for certain workshops. Please check the official site for details.
*Weather**: Garden events may move to the Museum Auditorium in case of bad weather.
