Where Art and History Meet at the Foot of Shiroyama — Kagoshima City Museum of Art

A Cultural Hub Breathing on the Site of Kagoshima Castle

The Kagoshima City Museum of Art, operated by the city of Kagoshima, stands on the site of the former Ninomaru (second bailey) of Kagoshima (Tsurumaru) Castle, once the residence of the Shimazu clan, lords of the Satsuma Domain. Situated at the foot of Mount Shiroyama, the museum is part of the "Kagoshima Cultural Zone," which includes landmarks such as the statue of Takamori Saigo, the Prefectural Museum, the Prefectural Library, and the Reimeikan historical center. Established in 1954 and reopened in its current building in 1985, the museum blends history and culture in a meaningful setting. The ceiling of the entrance hall is adorned with motifs inspired by Satsuma Kiriko cut glass, evoking a sense of local identity.

A Fusion of Local Artists and Western Art

The museum houses a collection of approximately 4,500 works, focusing on oil paintings by artists with ties to Kagoshima, such as Kuroda Seiki—known as the father of modern Western-style painting in Japan—Fujishima Takeji, and Wada Eisaku. The collection also includes Western masterpieces from the late 19th century onward, featuring artists such as Renoir and Cézanne. Sculptures by renowned masters like Rodin and Bourdelle are displayed outdoors, welcoming visitors into the museum’s atmosphere. Kuroda Seiki’s celebrated painting Atelier has long left a deep impression on both citizens and museum visitors.（Please inquire with the museum regarding the exhibition period of Kuroda Seiki’s Atelier.）

Diverse Spaces for Art and Learning

In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum features special exhibition rooms, general exhibition halls, an art library, and citizens’ studios, making it not only a space for viewing but also for creating and learning. The lecture hall and exhibition lobby host citizen-participation events and exhibitions throughout the year, fostering cultural exchange within the community.

A Location that Invites Comfort and Discovery

Easily accessible, the museum is about a five-minute walk from both Asahidori tram stop and Kinsei-cho bus stop. Surrounded by historic landmarks and parks, it is ideal for a cultural visit between sightseeing activities. Outdoors, sculptures are displayed against the backdrop of Sakurajima, allowing visitors to enjoy a landscape where art and nature blend harmoniously.

Conclusion: A Place for Constant Discovery

The Kagoshima City Museum of Art is a space where works by local artists coexist with world-renowned masterpieces. Built on a historic site and offering diverse exhibitions and activities throughout the year, it ensures that both first-time visitors and local regulars will always find something new. It is truly a crossroads of art and history, where culture and travel merge into one enriching experience.

Practical Information

To ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following:

• Please enjoy the artworks quietly and be considerate of other visitors.

• Do not touch the exhibits in order to help preserve them.

• Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the museum to maintain a clean and safe environment.

• Please set your mobile phone to silent mode and refrain from making calls inside the galleries.

• Photography is only allowed for works that are explicitly permitted. Flash photography and the use of tripods are not allowed.

For the latest updates and detailed guidelines, please check the official website.