Akita Museum of Art

The Akita Museum of Art showcases the "Masakichi Hirano Collection," assembled over a lifetime by Masakichi Hirano, a figure deeply familiar to people in Akita. It is about a 10-minute walk from JR Akita Station. The museum building itself is a work by Tadao Ando, internationally acclaimed and the recipient of numerous awards, and many visitors come specifically to admire the architecture. Right inside, a striking spiral staircase appears with no visible support from walls or columns, making the staircase itself feel like a piece of art. The open atrium hall, designed with a triangular skylight that brings in natural light and a floor of natural granite, creates a refreshing, uplifting atmosphere. From the second floor, the water garden and Senshu Park appear visually connected through the windows, offering a soothing sense of openness. The museum lounge is also recommended, designed so you can enjoy café time while viewing the expansive scenery of the water garden, the museum’s triangular roofline, and Senshu Park across the seasons. The museum’s centerpiece is the massive mural "Akita no Gyoji" (Akita’s Festivals), depicting Akita in 1937. Painted by Tsuguharu Foujita (Léonard Tsuguharu Fujita), it is a deeply moving work even for those who are not art experts.