Guida
The Nariwa Museum is a unique complex facility located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, serving both as an art museum and a natural history museum. The most striking feature of this facility is the building itself, designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Built upon the stone walls of the Nariwa Jinya ruins (the former residence of the Yamazaki clan), a designated historical site of Takahashi City, the structure represents a magnificent fusion of historical landscape and contemporary architecture. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibitions spanning both art and science, including the works of Western painter Kojiro Kojima—who contributed significantly to the collection of the Ohara Museum of Art—as well as the ancient Egyptian artifacts he collected and the oldest plant fossils found in this region.
The history of the main building dates back to 1953, when it opened as the 'Nariwa Town Museum' to honor the achievements of the Western painter Kojiro Kojima, a native of Okayama. In 1994, the current third-generation facility was completed, designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando. The building stands upon historical stone walls, serving as a hub for disseminating modern art while preserving the local historical heritage. In 2009, the name was changed to its current form, 'Takahashi City Nariwa Museum.'
The exhibition rooms are divided into three major themes, each offering a distinct charm:
1. Kojiro Kojima Painting Gallery: This section features representative oil paintings such as 'School Attendance' and 'Violet and the Girl,' alongside sketches and original furniture. It also showcases works by other painters like Jinshin Tokunaga and Kijiro Ota, allowing visitors to feel the artistic standards of that era.
2. Oriental Gallery: This room displays ancient Egyptian art collected by Kojiro Kojima during his travels abroad. Through explanatory panels, visitors can learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
3. Fossil Gallery: This gallery exhibits the oldest plant fossils produced from the Nariwa Group. The precious collection includes hundreds of items and approximately 30 species considered new to the world, holding immense academic value unique to this region.
As the museum is located in a lush natural environment, the changing scenery of the seasons is one of its many charms. During mild seasons like spring or autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful harmony between the surrounding nature and the architecture. Additionally, there is a museum cafe on-site, making it a perfect place to relax after your tour.
Beyond just viewing art and fossils, the facility offers an experience of the architecture itself. By walking through the unique structure standing on stone walls and experiencing the interplay of light and shadow designed by Tadao Ando, you can deeply appreciate the building as a work of art. You can also find various items related to the exhibits at the museum shop.
The Nariwa area, where the museum is located, is a quiet region where historical stone walls and nature remain preserved. Nearby historical sites, such as the Nariwa Jinya ruins, allow for peaceful strolls through a landscape of history. It is an ideal place to escape daily life in a calm environment where nature and history blend seamlessly.
To protect the precious artworks and fossils, a quiet environment is required inside the museum. Please note the following: