Shiga Museum of Art: A Living Room in the Park

Jul 17

Nestled within the lush Biwako Cultural Park in Ōtsu, the Shiga Museum of Art offers a refreshing model of what a museum can be: not a grand reception hall, but a “living room in the park.” Following its 2021 renovation, the museum now blends high-quality exhibitions with the relaxing atmosphere of a local retreat—a place where both locals and travelers can slow down, reflect, and engage with art in comfort.

Originally opened in 1984 as the Museum of Modern Art, Shiga, it became Japan’s first public museum led by a female director. Today, with a redesigned interior, a family-friendly café, and accessible amenities, the museum welcomes a broad audience while staying true to its founding vision.

A Collection Rooted in Shiga, Resonating with the World

The museum holds a collection of over 2,700 works, including some of Japan’s most notable modern Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) and postwar art. Highlights include the serene yet bold portraits of Yuki Ogura, a native of Ōtsu and a trailblazer in the Japan Art Institute, and the richly textured kimono textiles of Fukumi Shimura, a master dyer from Ōmihachiman.

In addition to these Shiga-born talents, the museum presents works by international icons like Mark Rothko and Kazuo Shiraga, reflecting postwar artistic dialogues between Japan and the West. It also houses one of Japan’s most forward-thinking Art Brut collections, including over 700 works—many by artists with disabilities who emerged from Shiga’s long-standing welfare art programs.

This inclusive approach highlights the creative energy of people historically overlooked by the mainstream art world, bringing raw, authentic expressions into the cultural conversation.

A Building That Feels Like Home

Designed by renowned architectural firm Nikken Sekkei, the museum features a timeless, earthy exterior clad in Shigaraki-ware ceramic tiles, connecting it visually to Shiga’s regional identity. The 2021 renovation was led by Osaka-based design collective graf, who reimagined the entrance and welcome areas to create a warm, inviting space.

North of the building lies a tranquil Japanese garden by landscape designer Kunio Itō, offering visitors a moment of stillness between galleries. Whether indoors or out, the architecture encourages a leisurely pace and sensory connection.

Café, Craft, and Local Flavor

Upon entry, you’ll find shop & café Kolmio in the museum, offering tasteful exhibition goods, local crafts, and light refreshments. Named after the Finnish word kolmio (meaning “triangle”), the café embraces the Ōmi merchant philosophy of “good for the buyer, good for the seller, good for society.”

On the menu are traditional sweets from Shirohei, a fifth-generation wagashi maker, alongside seasonal drinks and snacks. It’s an ideal spot to reflect on the exhibits or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Designed for Comfort and Inclusion

True to its philosophy of openness, the Shiga Museum of Art provides facilities for all:

Family rooms with changing tables and nursing stations
Kids’ areas for relaxed visits with children
Accessibility features including barrier-free restrooms and wheelchair-friendly routes

The “Room with Sofas” along the gallery path is especially beloved, allowing visitors to rest while gazing out at the garden—a rare blend of hospitality and curatorial excellence.

📍 Practical Information

Address:
1740-1 Setaminamiogaya-chō, Ōtsu, Shiga 520-2122, JAPAN

Hours:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end holidays, and for exhibition changes

Admission (Collection Exhibition):

Adults: ¥570 (Group: ¥460)
University students: ¥340 (Group: ¥280)
Free for: high students and younger, seniors 65+ living in Shiga, and persons with disability certificates