A New Cultural Hub in Kurayoshi — Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art

An Open Museum That Welcomes Everyone

Opened on March 30, 2025, the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art is the first full-scale prefectural art museum in Tottori Prefecture, developed over many years of planning. Located in Kurayoshi City, near the center of the prefecture, it stands adjacent to the Omidō Temple Ruins Historic Park. The building was designed by Maki and Associates, led by architect Fumihiko Maki.

The three-story atrium, known as the Hiroma, connects to the Omidō Temple Ruins through a terrace space called Engawa, located just outside its large glass façade. The design creates a natural flow between the museum and its historical surroundings, allowing anyone to feel welcome and comfortable entering.

Facilities such as the café, museum shop, terrace, and children’s area can be enjoyed without a ticket. With the concept of “OPENNESS!” at its core, the museum aims to be a place for people to gather, enjoy, interact, and engage with art from Tottori.

Art Experiences for All Generations

The museum inherits the collection of the former art division of the Tottori Prefectural Museum, housing approximately 10,000 works.　These include pieces by artists with ties to Tottori, such as Kanji Maeda and Shindo Tsuji, along with a wide range of modern and contemporary art from both Japan and abroad.

Special exhibitions are held regularly, offering visitors the opportunity to encounter a wide range of artistic expressions. The Art Learning Lab（A.L.L.) offers workshops and diverse programs to support “learning through art,” creating a space where children and people of all ages can engage with art in a hands-on, enjoyable way.

Comfortable Architecture and a Place That Connects to the Community

The central Hiroma atrium is a spacious, inviting area featuring warm wood finishes. From the adjoining Engawa and the third-floor observation terrace, visitors can view the Omidō Temple Ruins Historic Park, creating a landscape where architecture, nature, and history blend together.

In the museum shop, visitors will find original goods, local crafts, and art items made by social welfare facilities in the prefecture. There is also a welcoming kids' space where families can relax together without worry.

A Year-Round Destination for Learning and Connection

The Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art is located within Kurayoshi Park Square and is accessible by bus from JR Kurayoshi Station. The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:30). Closed on Mondays, during the New Year holidays, and on other designated days. (Opening hours and closing days are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.)

Throughout the year, the museum hosts a wide variety of events, including gallery talks, and workshops. It functions as a center for cultural exchange that is open to both local residents and travelers.

Why You’ll Want to Return Again and Again

The Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art is more than just a place to view exhibitions. It is a new kind of museum where visitors can experience connections with architecture, nature, and people. Whether you're an art enthusiast or someone just stopping by out of curiosity, it offers a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy their visit in their own way.