Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art: A Must-Visit in Kobe!

Step into the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, and you'll find yourself embarking on a journey that intertwines visual and emotional experiences. Located along Kobe's waterfront, this modern architectural masterpiece showcases Ando's signature use of exposed concrete and interplay of light and shadow, creating a space where time seems to stand still. The museum's exterior, nestled by the coast, allows wind and light to flow through the structure, making every step inside feel like entering a serene artistic poem. In conjunction with the upcoming 2025 Osaka World Expo, the museum is hosting a special dual exhibition titled "Where the Heart Finds Peace in Foreign Lands." This exhibition focuses on two Japanese artists—Tsuguharu Foujita and Yasuo Kuniyoshi—who developed their creative careers abroad. It not only showcases works from different stages of their lives but also invites visitors to reflect on the choices they made during turbulent times, exploring themes of artistic expression and identity. The exhibition delves deeply into their responses to the profound question of "Where is home?" Tsuguharu Foujita, renowned for his delicate technique of depicting milky-white skin, gained significant recognition in the European art scene during his time in France. However, his works and identity choices were often met with controversy due to war and societal pressures. His paintings often conceal complex emotions and historical traces within their soft glow. Yasuo Kuniyoshi, on the other hand, expressed his pursuit of social justice and personal freedom through a bold modernist style. His works are rich in critique and drama, characterized by a vivid and dynamic energy. Despite their different backgrounds, both artists share a profound response to self and era through their experiences of creating art away from home. This exhibition combines visual storytelling with historical context, offering visitors more than just an appreciation of the artworks—it’s an invitation to engage in a dialogue spanning over a century. If you're interested in the intersection of Eastern and Western cultural influences in art, this exhibition is a must-see. Beyond the exhibition, the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art itself is a masterpiece worth exploring. Inside, you'll find spacious, high-ceilinged galleries, stunning staircases and skylit spaces designed with exquisite light and shadow interplay, and an outdoor sculpture area with views of the harbor and sea. From the entrance to the back of the museum, up to the second-floor sea-view terrace, and the iconic Tadao Ando-designed "Green Apple" photo spot, every corner offers delightful surprises, making it easy to lose track of time until the museum closes at 6 PM. Plan to spend at least two hours here, and be sure to purchase tickets in advance or check the exhibition schedule. After your visit, take a leisurely stroll along the nearby waterfront to let the experience settle in the sea breeze, turning it into an unforgettable cultural journey. 🎯 Address • Japanese: 〒651‑0073 兵庫県神戸市中央区脇浜海岸通1‑1‑1（HAT神戸内） • English: 1‑1‑1 Wakinohama Kaigandori, Chuo‑ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651‑0073 Japan 📞 Phone: 078‑262‑1011 (Some sources list 078‑262‑0901, but the former is the official main number.) ⸻ 🕰️ Opening Hours • Regular Hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00; last entry at 17:30 • Closed Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum closes the following day) • Year-end and New Year closure: December 31 – January 1 • Special Exhibition Night Hours: Select Fridays and Saturdays during exhibition periods extended to 20:00 (last entry at 19:30) ⸻ 🚉 Access • Hanshin Electric Railway Iwaya Station (Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art Front): About 8 minutes on foot • JR Kobe Line Nada Station South Exit: About 10 minutes on foot