Guida
The Towada Art Center is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. It serves as the core of the 'Arts Towada' project, a mission to provide new experiences through art. The most striking feature is its unique architectural structure: individual exhibition rooms are connected by glass walkways, creating a sense of movement. Visitors can enjoy viewing artworks as if they were strolling through a town, moving from one specialized space to another. Many exhibition rooms feature large glass openings, creating an open and airy atmosphere that connects the art inside with the surrounding cityscape.
The museum opened its doors on April 26, 2008. Its establishment was part of the 'Arts Towada' project, which aimed to revitalize the area by transforming vacant land into a hub for artistic creativity. The museum is not just a standalone building; it is part of a larger urban design where the surrounding streets are adorned with 'Art Plazas' and street furniture. This approach has established Towada as a renowned 'Art City' that attracts attention from both domestic and international visitors.
The museum houses 38 permanent works by renowned domestic and international artists. Most of these are 'commissioned works'—large-scale installations created specifically for this museum. For instance, works by world-famous artists like Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck are strategically placed both inside the galleries and throughout the grounds. The layout ensures that every movement through the museum offers a new visual perspective, where the architecture and the art become one seamless experience.
The museum is generally open during daylight hours (9:00–17:00). While the permanent collection is always available, the special exhibitions change periodically and offer different themes. To enjoy the seamless connection between the art and the cityscape, visiting during bright daylight hours is highly recommended. The facility also houses the 'cube cafe & shop,' where you can relax between exhibitions. Please note that the last order for the cafe is at 16:30, so plan your afternoon accordingly.
Beyond just looking at art, the act of walking through this fusion of architecture and art is the primary experience. As you traverse the glass-walled corridors, you will witness the beautiful overlap of the exterior scenery and the interior art. The facility also includes community spaces and a cafe, making art feel accessible and integrated into daily life. You can truly feel the dynamic scale and unique worldviews of contemporary art through this immersive environment.
Thanks to the 'Arts Towada' project, the entire surrounding area is infused with artistic elements. The 'Art Plaza' located across from the museum allows you to encounter art while walking through the streets. The central district of Towada is filled with art-related street furniture and installations, making it easy to explore the city as an extension of your museum visit.
Since the museum covers a large area and involves moving between different exhibition rooms, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please be mindful of your steps to fully enjoy the architectural structure.