Yamagata Museum of Art

Overview

The Yamagata Museum of Art was established in 1964 at the suggestion of Takao Hattori, the head of the Yamagata Shimbun Group. From its inception, it has been beloved by the local community under the philosophy of being 'a museum for the people of the prefecture, even more so than a public museum.' While it initially opened as a museum focused on Japanese paintings, the opening of the new building in 1985 enriched the Hattori Collection and works donated by Yoshino Gypsum, making it widely known as one of the leading French modern art museums in the Tohoku region. The permanent exhibition allows visitors to appreciate masterpieces from the Impressionist period and beyond, such as works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso, as well as valuable Japanese art collections such as Yosa Buson's 'Okunohosomichi Zu' (Picture of the Narrow Road to the Deep North). There is also a corner exhibiting works by sculptors from Yamagata City, Taketaro Shinkai and Takezo Shinkai, and the Hasegawa Collection Room, which displays art collected by the Hasegawa family who have been involved in the management of Yamagata Bank, is also a highlight. In addition to the exhibition rooms, there is a garden and cafe, providing a space to relax and unwind.