Ōhara Museum of Art
About This Museum
People come to the Ōhara Museum of Art to step into a quiet, cultured corner of Kurashiki and discover Japan's first collection of major Western modern art. Opened in 1930, it feels like a treasure chest assembled by a passionate collector, with its core of powerful French sculptures and paintings standing in thoughtful dialogue with exquisite modern Japanese works. You'll find El Greco and Gauguin sharing space with homegrown masters like Kojima Torajiro. Wandering its halls provides a unique, almost intimate look at the artistic bridges being built between East and West a century ago.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the collection is its stunning French art, including monumental marble sculptures by Rodin and paintings by masters like Monet and Matisse. These are beautifully complemented by a significant collection of modern Japanese paintings from the Yōga (Western-style) movement.
Visitor Information
It's nestled right in the heart of Kurashiki's beautiful Bikan Historical Quarter, making it a perfect cultural stop while you're exploring the area's iconic white-walled warehouses and willow-lined canals.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a dignified, Neoclassical building that perfectly suits its role as a venerable institution, it feels both grand and welcoming.
