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Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

©Naoya Hatakeyama

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Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

An art museum housed in a brick warehouse with a 100-year history.

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Supervised by :  Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

The Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum opened in 2020, set inside a historic, century-old red brick warehouse. The building was known by the name Yoshino-cho brick warehouse since its heyday as a sake brewery during the Meiji and Taisho eras, but still stands today as a beloved treasure that shaped the landscape of Hirosaki. Step inside today to find new installations welcomed twice a year per spring/summer and autumn/winter seasons, bringing with them the latest in art from Japan and abroad. The site also showcases a number of collections and contemporary works that celebrate the history and culture of Hirosaki and the greater Tohoku region.

Prior to opening, the museum held special exhibits for Hirosaki native and world-renowned artist Yoshitomo Nara in 2002, 2005 and 2006. One notable piece by Nara is A to Z Memorial Dog, set at the museum entrance as a token of gratitude to the locals who took part in his exhibits.

The adjoining café offers dishes made with local Aomori ingredients like apple pie and cider made from the region's famous apples. You’ll also want to swing by the museum shop, which features original goods and unique products from Hirosaki that make perfect souvenirs.

Highlights

  • A treasured brick building with 100 years of history.
  • New collections from Japan and abroad welcomed twice a year.
  • Famed work by Yoshitomo Nara awaits at the entrance.
  • Workshops, film screenings and other scheduled events to explore.
  • Adjoining café and shop inside.

Photos

  • The museum is set in a historic, century-old brick building. ©Naoya Hatakeyama

    The museum is set in a historic, century-old brick building. ©Naoya Hatakeyama

  • The "A to Z Memorial Dog" is displayed at the entrance. Yoshitomo Nara 《A to Z Memorial Dog》2007 ©︎Yoshitomo Nara Photo:Naoya Hatakeyama

    The "A to Z Memorial Dog" is displayed at the entrance. Yoshitomo Nara 《A to Z Memorial Dog》2007 ©︎Yoshitomo Nara Photo:Naoya Hatakeyama

  • Architectural guided tours are held every third Saturday of the month.

    Architectural guided tours are held every third Saturday of the month.

  • Café inside serving sweets, lunch, and drinks.

    Café inside serving sweets, lunch, and drinks.

  • Library on the second floor. Photo by Kuniya Oyamada

    Library on the second floor. Photo by Kuniya Oyamada

Official FAQs

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

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Korean are available.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

There is free Wi-Fi provided by Hirosaki City.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Yes.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A

Same-day re-entry is possible.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Norton Liang
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    If you like Yoshitomo Nara, you definitely have to come!
    Paying to see the exhibitions is also well worth it. It’s a truly impressive place, and it’s even more spectacular during cherry blossom season!
    Yoshitomo Nara is a well-known Japanese contemporary artist who was born in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. There are several places in Aomori Prefecture where you can see his work, with the main exhibition venues being the Aomori Museum of Art and the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art.
    Main locations featuring his work
    Aomori Museum of Art:
    The museum has a collection of more than 120 works by Yoshitomo Nara, including paintings and sculptures.
    The most famous work is the large outdoor installation **Aomori Dog**, a white dog sculpture about 8.5 meters tall that faces the sky and has become an iconic symbol of the museum.
    The museum’s architectural design was inspired by the nearby Sannai-Maruyama Jomon Site and is itself a major highlight.
    Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art (formerly the Yoshii Sake Brewery Brick Warehouse):
    This contemporary art facility in Nara’s hometown of Hirosaki was converted from a century-old sake brewery warehouse.
    The museum focuses on a collection rooted in local history and culture, featuring works by local artists, including Yoshitomo Nara.
    Towada Art Center:
    Works by Yoshitomo Nara are also displayed in the museum’s outdoor exhibition area.
    Yoshitomo Nara’s connection to Aomori
    Yoshitomo Nara grew up in rural Aomori Prefecture, and this childhood experience had a profound influence on his artistic style. He has said that because his parents were busy with work when he was young, he was often home alone and would talk to characters in picture books or to his toys. This sense of loneliness and imagination nurtured his artistic sensitivity. To him, Aomori is like his “starting point” (The Beginning Place), and he is happy to exhibit works that represent the beginning of his creative journey in his hometown.
    If you’re a fan of Yoshitomo Nara, the Aomori Museum of Art is a must-visit where you can fully experience his deep connection to his hometown.

  • 段好秀
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    This museum has exhibited works by Yoshitomo Nara, whose art is full of pet dogs, sheep, and vivid colors. The portraits have such unique expressions—definitely worth seeing. Plus, the museum itself is really special, since it's a renovated Meiji-era warehouse with historical and cultural significance. In Japan, you can really feel the sense of history and tradition everywhere. It's definitely worth a visit.

Details

Name in Japanese
弘前れんが倉庫美術館
Postal Code
036-8188
Address
2-1 Yoshinocho, Hirosaki City, Aomori
Telephone
0172-32-8950
Closed
Tuesdays (If it is a national holiday, the next day is closed), New Year’s holiday period.
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Note: Studios and library are open until 9:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Admission
Varies by exhibition
Access
1) About 20 minutes walk, about 7 minutes by taxi from JR Hirosaki Station.
2) From JR Hirosaki Station, ride Konan Bus, get off at Nakadotemachi Bus stop and walk about 4 minutes from there.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa