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Matsumoto City Museum of Art

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Matsumoto City Museum of Art

A museum exhibiting various artworks with local connections, including the avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama.

3.20 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Opened in April 2002 with its eye-catching polka-dotted exterior, the museum showcases the works of the globally renowned avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, who hails from Matsumoto City. After undergoing extensive renovations lasting about a year, it reopened in April 2022 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore not only Kusama's early works but also her latest series, along with permanent exhibitions featuring calligrapher Kamijou Shinzan and Western-style painter Kazuo Tamura. Additionally, the museum hosts various special exhibitions in collaboration with museums and collectors both domestically and internationally, offering a diverse range of artworks for visitors to appreciate.
Moreover, creative spaces like the "Citizen Atelier" and the "Children's Creative Museum" conduct workshops and events, providing opportunities for casual engagement with art.

The museum shop, accessible even without an admission ticket, sells a variety of items perfect for souvenirs or mementos, including Kusama-themed merchandise, exhibition catalogs, and postcards featuring the museum's collection.

Highlights

  • An art museum with an eye-catching exterior featuring "The Illusory Flower" by Yayoi Kusama.
  • Reopened in April 2022 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
  • Offers a diverse collection of artworks, including those by Yayoi Kusama and Kamijou Shinzan but also a variety of artworks from both domestic and international artists.
  • Conducts workshops and events, allowing visitors to engage with art in a casual setting.
  • The museum shop offers items suitable for souvenirs or mementos.

Photos

  • The towering outdoor sculpture "The Illusory Flower" by Yayoi Kusama, standing at about 10 meters tall, greets visitors since its installation in 2002.

    The towering outdoor sculpture "The Illusory Flower" by Yayoi Kusama, standing at about 10 meters tall, greets visitors since its installation in 2002.

  • The "Collection Exhibition Room" displays works from the museum's collection, including pieces by calligrapher Kamijou Shinzan and Western-style painter Kazuo Tamura.

    The "Collection Exhibition Room" displays works from the museum's collection, including pieces by calligrapher Kamijou Shinzan and Western-style painter Kazuo Tamura.

  • At the "Art Library," visitors can casually browse through various art books from Japan and abroad.

    At the "Art Library," visitors can casually browse through various art books from Japan and abroad.

  • The "Citizen Creation Plaza" hosts events and workshops, providing opportunities for creative engagement.

    The "Citizen Creation Plaza" hosts events and workshops, providing opportunities for creative engagement.

  • Don't forget to purchase your favorite items as souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

    Don't forget to purchase your favorite items as souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are there services in foreign languages? (If so, please provide the supported languages.)
A

Staff capable of basic English conversation are available.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A

Re-entry is permitted only on the same day. However, some special exhibitions may not allow re-entry.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?
A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Yes (coin-return type lockers).

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    The colorful polka dots and bold shapes are full of the artist's distinctive style, making this one of Matsumoto's most iconic photo spots. Yayoi Kusama was born in Matsumoto, and the museum houses many of her works, from her early creations to her classic series, offering a more complete experience of her artistic world.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    The Matsumoto City Museum of Art is a sacred place where visitors can enter the inner world of contemporary art master Yayoi Kusama. As it is located in her hometown, her signature polka dots and vivid colors can be seen throughout the museum, inside and out. The colorful giant flower sculpture “The Visionary Flowers” in the outdoor plaza alone is enough to make you stop and admire it.

    Since Yayoi Kusama recently passed away and went to heaven, this place has become an irreplaceable pilgrimage site for art lovers worldwide. Through each of the classic works into which she poured her life, you can deeply feel her artistic spirit transcending time and space. Although the exhibition area is not very large, it is worth taking your time to appreciate.

    After viewing the exhibition, you can order a cup of coffee or some ice cream in the courtyard behind the museum and take in its unique charm in the gentle breeze, creating a special memory of this pilgrimage.

  • みのさん
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    This museum always has Yayoi Kusama's works on display. You can even take photos with the famous yellow pumpkin! It's within walking distance from Matsumoto Station, but there's also a bus. There's even a red polka-dot wrapped bus, which is pretty cool.

Details

Name in Japanese
松本市美術館
Postal Code
390-0811
Address
4-2-22 Chuo, Matsumoto City, Nagano
Telephone
0263-39-7400
Holiday
Monday (the next day when Monday is a National Holiday)、December 29- January 3
※open every day in August
Business Hours
9:00am-5:00pm（Admission allowed until 4:30pm）
Admission
E-ticket: General admission 700 yen, University student 950 yen
At the counter: General admission 800 yen, University student 400 yen
Access
(1) From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Alpico Transit Bus "Yokota Shinnai Circulation Line" and get off at "Matsumoto Museum", then it's a short walk.
(2) From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Town Sneaker (a city loop bus) East Course to "Iori Reisui (Museum North)", then it's about a 5-minute walk.
(3) Approximately 12 minutes on foot from JR Matsumoto Station.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa