Nariwa Museum

Overview & Charm

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.

History & Cultural Background

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.'

Main Highlights

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.

Seasonal Recommendations

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.

Experiences & Activities

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.

Surrounding Area

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.

What to Bring, Clothing & Etiquette

To protect the precious artworks and fossils, a quiet environment is required inside the museum. Please note the following:

• *Payment**: The shop and cafe accept cash, credit cards, and transportation IC cards. It is helpful to have cash ready for smoother transactions.
• *Language Support**: While some English notation is available on exhibition panels, detailed explanations depend on the current local situation.
• *Reservations**: No prior reservation is required; you can visit directly on the day.
• *Clothing**: We recommend comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the architectural beauty. Please be aware that there may be steps or uneven surfaces due to the structure built on stone walls.
• *Photography**: Photography may be restricted in certain areas. Please follow the instructions provided in the museum.
• *Accessibility**: While efforts have been made toward accessibility, some steps may exist due to the historical location. We recommend checking in advance if using a wheelchair.
• *Etiquette**: Please maintain a quiet atmosphere and refrain from loud conversation to protect the exhibits.