What other travelers are saying about Otaru City Museum of Art
Seriously underrated collection. The building is boring but the work inside is fantastic. Which is the point of a gallery of art. The building doesn't distract from the work
First visit on 2025/R7/7/19. Opened in 1978/S53, the building was built as the Otaru Savings Bureau in 1952/S52 and still retains the appearance of the "Postal and Communications Style".
The first floor is the Nakamura Zensaku Memorial Hall (permanent exhibition + special exhibition), office, gallery, and training room, the second floor is the Literature Museum Space and special exhibition room, and the third floor is the Ichihara Aritoku Memorial Hall. At first glance, it may seem difficult to distinguish the different areas, but please enjoy it like a rolling play.
By the way, on the day of my visit, the Nakamura Zensaku Memorial Hall on the first floor was hosting a photo exhibition by photographer Takagi Hiharu (which happened to be the first day of the exhibition period from 7/19 to 10/12), and I was able to talk to him in person. I felt that I could relate to the way the scenes were cut, so I bought the photo book.
When visiting, it is a good idea to purchase a combined ticket (800 yen) which also allows you to visit the Otaru Literature Museum and each hall in the same building (otherwise each ticket will cost you).
It was certainly good, but when we were watching the planetarium, there were only 7-8 people there, and 2 of them were snoring loudly, which was annoying, although I don't know if they were trying to sleep! Everyone else was good overall.
The Otaru City Museum of Art exhibits a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from traditional Japanese paintings and sculptures to modern art and contemporary installations. The museum also features works by local artists, highlighting the cultural heritage of Otaru and the Hokkaido region.
Yes, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. These may include thematic art exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, and educational programs. Detailed information about current and upcoming events can be found on the museum's website or social media channels.
The museum offers several facilities and services to enhance the visitor experience, including a museum shop, a café or refreshment area, cloakrooms, and accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities. Information on these services can be found on the museum's website.
Photography policies may vary depending on the exhibition and specific artworks. In general, non-flash photography for personal use may be allowed in certain areas, but it's always best to check the museum's photography policy beforehand or ask staff for guidance during your visit.
Yes, the Otaru City Museum of Art offers educational programs and guided tours for schools, groups, and individual visitors. These programs are designed to provide deeper insights into the exhibitions and artworks.
