History and Founding
The museum was established in 1930 by Magosaburo Ohara (1880–1943), a prominent businessman from Kurashiki. He supported the painter Kojima Torajiro (1881–1929), whose travels and collecting activities brought important works of Western art to Japan. The museum was founded to display Kojima’s collection, which included Western paintings as well as works from ancient Egypt, the Middle East, and China.
Opening a museum devoted to Western art in a regional Japanese city during the early Showa period was an exceptional achievement. The institution helped introduce international art to Japanese audiences and established Kurashiki as an important destination for art lovers.
Kojima Torajiro and the Western Art Collection
With financial support from Magosaburo Ohara, Kojima Torajiro studied in Europe for five years beginning in 1908. He returned to Europe between 1919 and 1923, acquiring numerous works of art. Among the celebrated pieces collected during this period were El Greco’s Annunciation, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, and Henri Matisse’s Portrait of Marguerite, the Artist’s Daughter.
Kojima’s collection played a significant role in bringing Western art to Japan. Following the artist’s death, Ohara established the museum in recognition of his achievements and dedication to collecting.
Other Notable Works
The museum’s collection also includes important works acquired through other channels. Highlights include Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Woman by a Fountain, Pablo Picasso’s The Birdcage, and André Derain’s Italian Woman. Several of these works were acquired after World War II from the collection of art dealer Shigetaro Fukushima.
Exhibition Buildings and Facilities
The Ohara Museum of Art comprises several exhibition spaces, including the Main Building, the Annex, the Craft Art Gallery and Oriental Art Gallery, and Yurinso. The Main Building features classical architectural elements, most notably its Ionic columns, which give the exterior a distinctive appearance.
The Annex presents works by modern Japanese painters as well as contemporary art. The Craft Art Gallery includes works by influential Japanese ceramic artists such as Kanjiro Kawai and Shoji Hamada. Together, these galleries offer visitors a broad view of artistic traditions from Japan and around the world.
The New Kojima Gallery
The museum has also pursued plans for a new exhibition facility known as the New Kojima Gallery, intended to showcase Kojima Torajiro’s own works alongside his collections of ancient Egyptian and West Asian art. A provisional exhibition has been held inside the former Kurashiki Honmachi Branch of the Chugoku Bank, featuring works by contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe and others. The museum’s expansion plans reflect its continuing efforts to enrich the visitor experience and broaden its collections.
Concerts and Cultural Activities
Beyond its exhibitions, the Ohara Museum of Art has supported a range of cultural activities. A commemorative concert was held in 1960 to celebrate its 30th anniversary, followed by a special music event titled “Memories Concert” in 2000 for its 70th anniversary. These events reflect the museum’s broader role in promoting the arts and cultural life of Kurashiki.
Masterpieces to Look For
Western Art
Among the museum’s best-known works are El Greco’s Annunciation, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Paul Gauguin’s Delightful Land. These celebrated paintings are highly regarded both in Japan and internationally, making the museum a rewarding destination for visitors interested in European art.
Modern Japanese Art
The collection also features significant works by Japanese artists. Notable examples include Takeji Fujishima’s Plowing Toward Heaven and Shoji Sekine’s Sorrow of Faith. These works complement the Western collection and provide a broader perspective on the development of modern art in Japan.
Access and Nearby Attractions
The museum is approximately a 15- to 20-minute walk from Kurashiki Station on the JR Sanyo and Hakubi lines. Its location within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter makes it easy to combine a visit with a stroll through the area’s traditional streets, historic buildings, and canals.
Beside the museum, Cafe EL GRECO offers a relaxing place to take a break and enjoy the atmosphere of the surrounding historic district. A visit to the Ohara Museum of Art is an excellent way to discover world-class art while exploring Kurashiki’s distinctive cultural heritage.