Chiba City Museum of Art

Overview

Chiba City Museum of Art is located in Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. It opened on November 1, 1995, and reopened after renovation on July 11, 2020. It's known for its unique architecture, employing the "saya-do" method, which preserves the former Kawasaki Bank Chiba branch building. This creates a harmonious blend of historical and modern architecture. The museum boasts a rich collection, primarily focusing on Edo period paintings and contemporary art. Its ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) collection is exceptionally comprehensive for a public museum, with monthly rotating exhibitions. The museum's establishment was partly spurred by the fact that the founder of ukiyo-e, Hishikawa Moronobu, was from Boso, and the collection of 300 works by Utagawa Kuniyoshi collected by Hiroyuki Imanaka, a ukiyo-e researcher. Ukiyo-e related special exhibitions are frequently held in the museum's galleries. Other significant collections include over 1,000 illustrated books collected by American cultural anthropologist Robert Lavin (including works beyond ukiyo-e artists), and Muromachi period ink paintings collected by management consultant Peter Drucker. Furthermore, the museum received a substantial donation of over 400 works by approximately 100 artists from Sato Yutaro, the owner of Sato Gallery. These works are gradually being exhibited and introduced. Chiba City Museum of Art offers a unique experience, combining the charm of a historical building with a sophisticated contemporary art space. Conveniently located within walking distance of Chiba Station and Chiba-Chuo Station, it's a must-visit destination when exploring Chiba City.