Akita Museum of Art

This art museum was opened in 2013 in “Area Nakaichi” near Akita Station as a hub of arts and cultures. The modern building was designed by Tadao Ando. The interior with repeated triangles and inorganic concrete walls creates out-of-the-ordinary artistic space.

Akita’s wealthy man, Masakichi Hirano, had the starter of the Museum, which was the artwork of Tsuguharu Fujita (Léonard Foujita, 1886-1968) he had collected. Fujita’s 3.65m-tall, 20.50m-wide masterpiece, The Events of Akita, depicts Akita’s traditional life such as Kanto Festival and igloos. The dynamic and imposing painting has become the centerpiece of the museum. Other work of “the Darling of Paris,” Foujita are displayed, such as “Machigeinin (Street Performers)” or “Carnival in Rio de Janeiro”. See the “Sleeping Woman” and appreciate Fujita’s signature “milky-white skin.”

Besides the permanent exhibition, the museum has special exhibitions. The museum cafe on the 2nd floor, overlooking Senshu Park beyond the water garden, is a favorite place for visitors to relax.