Guide
The Kawagoe City Art Museum is located on the site of the former Ninomaru of Kawagoe Castle in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. Opened in 2002, the facility's architecture incorporates the traditional 'Kura' (storehouse) design, allowing the building itself to harmonize beautifully with the surrounding historic landscape. The permanent exhibition rooms house a curated collection of Japanese-style paintings (Nihonga), Western-style paintings, and printmaking works by artists born in or closely associated with Kawagoe. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts approximately five special exhibitions per year, offering visitors a diverse range of artistic-style encounters.
The museum was established as part of a project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Kawagoe City. Situated on the historic Ninomaru site of Kawagoe Castle, it serves as a vital cultural hub for the region. The collection reflects the local history and culture through works by renowned artists with ties to Kawagoe, such as Setsutai Komura, Seiki Komoda, and Masakuni Hashimoto. Furthermore, the museum contributes to the local art community by operating creative studios and a community gallery for local citizens.
The museum's collection is centered around three main categories: Japanese-style painting, Western-style painting, and printmaking. A standout feature is the collection of works by artists deeply connected to the Kawagoe region, such as Setsutai Komura, Masakuni Hashimoto, and Yasuji Inoue. The special exhibition rooms also host rotating exhibitions based on new themes, allowing you to experience different genres beyond the permanent collection. Inside, visitors can also enjoy a digital corner for exploring the collection via computer and a 'Touch Art' corner designed for tactile appreciation.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the final entry permitted at 4:30 PM. While the permanent collection is available year-round, the specific themes of the museum change based on the special exhibition schedule. Visiting during the bright daylight hours is recommended for a calm and peaceful atmosphere to appreciate the art.
Beyond simple viewing, the museum offers programs focused on practical artistic skills. The creative studio occasionally hosts workshops for sketching, oil painting, watercolor, woodblock printing, and copperplate engraving. The museum also provides tools for local citizens to use. Additionally, the museum engages in art education for the next generation through initiatives like the 'Hello! Museum' program and the distribution of 'Mirumiru' stickers for elementary school students.
The museum is adjacent to the former Ninokumaru of Kawagoe Castle and is surrounded by other cultural facilities, such as the Kawagoe City Museum. It is easily accessible from the historic streets of Kawagoe, known for their traditional 'Kura' merchant houses, making it an ideal addition to your sightseeing itinerary. The private 'Yaoko Kawagoe Museum' is also located nearby.
To protect the artworks, certain rules apply when entering the exhibition rooms. Admission for the permanent exhibition is 200 JPY for adults, 100 JPY for university and high school students, and free for junior high school students and younger. Visitors presenting a disability certificate may enter for free. An annual pass (1,600 JPY) is also available, which allows unlimited entry to both permanent and special exhibitions for one year. We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for walking and sightseeing. Please follow local instructions regarding photography, as filming or photography may be restricted depending on the exhibition content.