Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art
A contemporary art museum in a renovated brick warehouse with 100 years of history
The brick warehouse that houses the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art was built about 100 years ago as a brewery, and was also the first factory in postwar Japan to produce hard cider on a large scale. Before it was turned into an art museum, three exhibitions were held in the warehouse in 2002, 2005 and 2006 by Yoshitomo Nara, a contemporary artist from Hirosaki City. At the entrance of the museum now, you will be greeted by Nara’s “A to Z Memorial Dog,” which was donated as a token of gratitude to the volunteers who participated in the three exhibitions. The renovation turning the warehouse into a museum was designed by the energetic young architect Tsuyoshi Tane, who focused on three key points. 1. “Succession of memories” The building was reinforced against earthquakes while retaining as much of the existing brickwork and other elements as possible. 2. “Hirosaki-zumi stacked brick technique” The beautiful brick arch at the entrance, which provides a somehow warm feeling, were newly stacked for the museum in a technique named “Hirosaki-zumi,” as opposed to the existing English-style bricks. 3. “Cider gold hishibuki roof” Each roof of the museum is made from titanium, and the color changes depending on the way the light hits, yielding a variety of appearances. The exhibitions consist of three programs per year. Through contemporary art, the museum aims to be a creative hub (cultural hub) that connects the region to the world, exposes visitors to diverse visions and rich sensibilities, and inspires new creativity that connects the past to the present and the future. Enjoy spending a great time at the newly reborn Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art while experiencing the history and culture of Hirosaki.
- Address
- Telephone Number
- Opening Times
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Prices
- Exhibition fees *Varies depending on the exhibition
General: Adults ¥1,300, students ¥1,000
Groups: Adults ¥1,200, students ¥900 (*Applicable for a total of 20 or more paying visitors)
Free for those who fall under the following categories:
・Residents of Hirosaki City over 65 years old
・International students who live in Hirosaki City and are enrolled in a university within or outside Hirosaki City
・Persons with a disability certificate and their caregivers
・Holders of the Hirosaki Passport Supporting Multiple-Child Families
・High school students and younger - Duration
- Notes
- ■ Photography is allowed in the museum, but video recording may not be allowed depending on the exhibition.
■ Please refrain from using flash or monopods/tripods.
■ Please do not touch any works besides those that are hands-on.
■ Please only make phone calls outside the museum or at the entrance on the first floor.
■ Please refrain from using fountain pens, ink, India ink, etc.
■ Please refrain from eating (including gum and candy), drinking, and smoking.
■ Please refrain from bringing pets, with the exception of service dogs.
■ Large personal items can be kept at the reception desk. Because space is limited, please refrain from bringing in suitcases, large document cases/tubes, etc.
■ Please follow all other museum rules and instructions from the staff.