Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Some reviews are AI-translated.

• wendy

  10 Nov 2026 See More

  On my trip to Kobe, I made a special visit to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. It’s not just an art museum—the building itself is also well worth appreciating.

  We took the Hanshin train to Iwaya Station, then walked at a leisurely pace for about 10–15 minutes to get there. It wasn’t actually that far, and when the museum building came into view, I started looking forward to seeing what kinds of unique designs were inside.

  The museum was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, and what impressed me most was the overall exposed-concrete architectural style. The gray concrete walls may look simple, but their lines and spatial layers are very captivating. Combined with the natural light, they give the entire building an artistic atmosphere.

  And what caught my eye the most was definitely the huge “Green Apple” outside the museum! As soon as I got close, I couldn’t resist taking more photos. The vivid green really stands out against the gray building, creating a wonderful visual effect. I originally just wanted to take one photo as a keepsake, but I ended up shooting it from several different angles. It looks distinctive from every angle and is definitely the most eye-catching landmark here.

  Besides the Green Apple, the interior design also made the museum very interesting to explore. The large spiral staircase was especially impressive. Looking down from above, the curved concrete walls extend downward in concentric circles. The lines are beautiful and visually striking. The view looks a little different from each floor, so I couldn’t help stopping to admire it and take quite a few photos.

  There are many small details here that are worth observing closely. There aren’t any ornate decorations, but the lines of the architecture itself, the interplay of light and shadow, and the changing spaces all reveal the thoughtful design. As you walk through the museum, you naturally slow down and enjoy the quiet, comfortable atmosphere.

  This visit made me realize that appreciating architecture can also be a very enjoyable part of traveling. Even without specifically planning to see an exhibition, simply admiring the building and looking for different photo angles made the trip well worth it!

  If you’re planning an independent trip to Kobe, I highly recommend taking the train here for a walk and appreciating Tadao Ando’s architectural aesthetics. And don’t forget to take a photo with that super eye-catching Green Apple!

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• Norton Liang

  12 Oct 2026 See More

  In Tadao Ando's architectural designs, the “spiral” is an important element, especially in the Circular Terrace at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art.
  The spiral design of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
  Circular Terrace/spiral staircase: This is one of the museum's signature features, connecting the underground parking lot, the first-floor entrance hall, the gallery wing, and the second-floor outdoor space.
  Spatial experience: This open spiral design is more than just a passageway; it is also an architectural statement. As visitors walk along the stairs, they can experience the rich spatial layers created by light and shadow changing over time and feel the connection between the architecture and the views of the sea and mountains.
  Geometry, light, and shadow: Tadao Ando is skilled at using simple geometric forms, such as circles and squares, and exposed concrete, combining them with natural elements such as light, wind, and water to create a unique sense of space. The spiral staircase embodies fluidity and connectivity, blending form and function.
  Other notable spiral designs
  In addition to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Tadao Ando has also used spiral designs elsewhere:
  He Art Museum (Shunde, China): The building is based on stacked circular discs, with a pair of double-helix staircases at its core resembling the structure of DNA. Natural light pours in through the central atrium, creating a sense of sacredness.
  Through these spiral designs, Tadao Ando challenges the static geometry of traditional architecture, pursues dynamic balance, and creates rich, multilayered spatial experiences.

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