The first museum of Western Art in Japan, the Ohara Museum of Art 大原美術館 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture has an impressive collection including many famous masters from around the world. Enjoy the works of Picasso, Pissaro, Manet, Monet, Klee, Pollock, and others in the Main Gallery building. Enjoy the oils and sculptures in the Annex, the ceramics, woodblocks, and traditional Japanese mingei crafts in the Craft Annex, and interesting pieces from Egypt and China in the Asiatic Annex.
Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki, Okayama
The Kojima Museum is also included in the admission fee; it shows the works of Torajiro Kojima, a talented Japanese artist who painted in a Western style. Kojima traveled around the world and purchased most of the pieces in the main collection for Magosaburo Ohara, the owner of Kurabo Textiles and founder of the museum.
Ohara Museum of Art gallery in Kurashiki, Okayama
Even if you do not plan to enter Ohara Museum, take a few minutes to walk around the grounds. Not only is the architecture interesting, but there are several statues on display, including some by Rodin. There is a charming lily pool tucked next to the Craft Annex which contains lilies from Monet’s garden in Giverny. Founded in 1930, the Ohara Museum continues to increase its collection and offers many rotating exhibits throughout the year.
Gardens near Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki, Okayama
It is located about a 15 minute walk south of Kurashiki Station, or you can take a bus to the Ohara Bijutsukan stop #2. The museum is between the canal and Ivy Square; the Kojima Museum is slightly removed from the other buildings.
Admission is 1300 yen for adults, 800 yen for college students, or 500 yen for students from elementary to high school. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm with a last admission at 4:30 pm. It is closed Mondays and December 26 through 31. The English labels are adequate and there is an audio guide available.
For more information: http://www.ohara.or.jp/200707/eng/menu.html
