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Harmo Museum
An art museum with the concept "Art and Naïveté," offering visitors the chance to appreciate a rare collection of naïve and primitive artworks from around the world.
Located along the shores of Lake Suwa, Harmo Museum opened on April 26, 1990, with the concept of "Art and Naïveté." The museum specializes primarily in naïve art, also known as Peintres Naïfs, showcasing a pure and freely expressive artistic perspective.
Its impressive collection of approximately 400 pieces includes works by prominent naïve artists such as Henri Rousseau and Camille Bombois, as well as globally significant artworks like Georges Rouault’s copperplate engravings.
The main exhibition gallery on the second floor features a panoramic window view of Lake Suwa, complementing its centerpiece collection of naïve oil paintings. In the adjacent building, designed like an artist’s studio under the theme "Enjoying Art in Daily Life," visitors remove their shoes to comfortably appreciate sculptures and prints in a home-like environment.
Visitors can also relax at the museum's tea room, Le Café d’Harmonie, enjoying serene views of Lake Suwa and Mount Fuji—a perfect way to unwind after exploring the art.
Highlights
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An art museum located by Lake Suwa, themed around "Art and Naïveté."
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Holds approximately 400 artworks, primarily from the naïve art movement, also known as Peintres Naïfs.
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The main gallery on the second floor offers stunning panoramic window views of Lake Suwa.
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Features an annex designed like a cozy home studio, where visitors remove their shoes to comfortably appreciate the artworks.
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Includes a tea room, Le Café d’Harmonie, ideal for relaxing after enjoying the exhibits.
Photos
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Distinctive architecture featuring overlapping concrete semicircles.
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Collection includes Henri Rousseau’s late masterpiece, Flowers (1910).
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Features Spring Flowers (1961) by Grandma Moses, who began her painting career at age 75.
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Café offers drinks and pound cake sets.
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Museum shop sells carefully selected items from Europe and Asia.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there services in foreign languages? (If so, please provide the supported languages.)
Partial support available (English).
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Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
It is possible on the same day.
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Is free WiFi available in the facility?
Not available.
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Are coin lockers available?
No, but the reception can hold items (excluding valuables).
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- ハーモ美術館
- Postal Code
- 393-0045
- Address
- 10616-540 Shimosuwamachi, Suwagun, Nagano
- Telephone
- 0266-28-3636
- Closed
- Open every day (May close temporarily during exhibition changes)
- Hours
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9:00am - 6:00pm
October to March: 9:00am - 5:00pm
*Subject to change. - Admission
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Adults: 1,000yen
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students: 500yen (Free every Saturday; special exhibitions excluded)
Visitors with a disability ID: 200yen (Companions receive a 100yen discount) - Directions
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(1) From JR East Shimosuwa Station, take the Shimosuwa Town Loop Bus to the "Harmo Bijutsukan-mae" stop; museum is directly accessible
(2) Approximately 14-minute walk from JR East Shimosuwa Station
(3) Approximately 15 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Okaya I.C. - Credit Cards
- Accepted (Café and shop only)
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)