Where Contemporary Art Meets East Asian Antiquities — Hara Museum ARC in Shibukawa, Gunma

A Quiet Contemporary Art Museum at the Foot of Mount Haruna

Hara Museum ARC is located in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Haruna. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Arata Isozaki, this museum continues the legacy of the former Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo’s Shinagawa district. Nestled in expansive natural surroundings, it offers visitors the opportunity to take time to engage with both contemporary and traditional art.

Jean-Michel Othoniel　Kokoro　2009

Photo by Yuichi Shiraku

Two Collections That Offer a Rich Experience

Operated by the Arc-en-Ciel Foundation, Hara Museum ARC houses two major collections.

• The Hara Museum Collection
  Focused on post-1950s contemporary art from Japan and abroad, it also includes photography and video works. Visitors can encounter pieces by globally recognized artists such as Jean-Michel Othoniel, Yayoi Kusama, and Tatsuo Miyajima.
  

• The Hara Rokuro Collection
  This collection of East Asian antiquities was assembled by Rokuro Hara, the great-grandfather of the museum’s founder, Toshio Hara. Displayed in the special exhibition space known as the Kankai Pavilion, these works—including calligraphy, paintings, and crafts—can be appreciated in a serene, Japanese-style setting that invites reflection on timeless beauty.
  

Yayoi Kusama “Mirror Room (Pumpkin)” 1991 /1992 mixed media ©YAYOI KUSAMA

Photo by Shinya Kigure／No image reproduction allowed

Kankai Pavilion Photo by Sadamu Saito

Architecture as an Art Experience

The exhibition space is composed of a central pyramid-shaped Gallery A flanked by rectangular Galleries B and C. Natural light filters in through skylights, subtly changing the appearance of the artworks throughout the day.

The Kankai Pavilion is a Japanese-style gallery inspired by the traditional shoin-zukuri (drawing room) architecture of the Nikko-in Guest Hall at Miidera Temple in Shiga Prefecture. The skill of master artisans is evident in the use of wood, stone, washi paper, and stucco throughout the interior. In this serene space, traditional and contemporary artworks are presented in quiet dialogue.

Interior of Gallery A, from the Museum Collection Exhibition. Photo by Shinya Kigure

Where Art and Everyday Life Intersect

• Café d’Art
  A place to relax with light meals and drinks while enjoying the view through the windows.
  
  

• Museum Shop
  A variety of items including exhibition-related goods and artist-designed products are available.
  
  

• Open-view Storage
  Normally not accessible to the public, the two-story Open-view Storage functions as a space for both the storage and display of artworks. Researchers, specialists, and members of the museum’s membership program may view works that are not on gallery display. Guided tours for the general public are held regularly (reservation required).
  
  
  

Art and Relaxation Nearby

• Ikaho Onsen
  One of Gunma’s famous hot springs, offering two types of spring water: golden-colored "Kogane-no-yu" and clear "Shirogane-no-yu."
  
  

• Ikaho Green Bokujo (Green Ranch)
  Located right next to the museum, this tourist-friendly ranch offers opportunities to interact with animals. Its soft-serve ice cream is also popular.
  
  

• Arts Maebashi & Gunma Museum of Modern Art
  Both are within a 40-minute drive, making Hara Museum ARC an excellent base for exploring art in the region.
  
  

A Place to Experience Art and Nature, Just Beyond the City

Hara Museum ARC is a quiet art destination where contemporary meets traditional, and architecture blends seamlessly with nature—just far enough from the bustle of the city. Although the exhibitions change regularly, the museum’s space itself offers new impressions with every visit, making it a destination worth returning to again and again.

For more information, please visit the official website.