Onomichi City Museum of Art

In short

The Onomichi City Museum of Art is an art museum inside Senko-ji Park, which looks down over the town of Onomichi. Originating from a movement by local citizens, it opened in 1980. In 2003, it reopened in its new form after a renovation designed by the architect Ando Tadao.

• ​Architecture by Ando Tadao​​: In the new wing, where glass faces concrete walls, shadows shift across the floors and walls with the movement of the sun
• ​Tiled Roof Modeled After a Temple​​: The tiled roof of the main building was designed after the shape and structure of the roof of nearby Saigo-ji Temple
• ​Onomichi Outside the Windows​​: The bay windows on the second floor offer views of the Onomichi townscape, and the museum has several quiet spaces for gazing at the scenery

History and Highlights

The ​Onomichi City Museum of Art​ is an art museum located inside Senko-ji Park, which looks down upon the town of Onomichi. Originating from a movement by local citizens, it opened in 1980 (Showa 55) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Onomichi City.

After more than 20 years since its opening, renovations were carried out, and the museum reopened in its new form in January 2003 (Heisei 15). The renovation was designed by the architect ​Ando Tadao​​. The original building was refurbished and a new wing was added, which now serves as the main entrance. The new wing features Ando's signature exposed concrete and large expanses of glass. While the main building and the new wing appear separated from the outside, they are seamlessly connected once you step inside.

The collection centers on works by the Western-style painter ​Kobayashi Wasaku​​, who was an honorary citizen of Onomichi City. It also houses works by artists associated with Onomichi, such as the Japanese-style painter Moritani Nanjinshi, as well as works by French painter Georges Rouault. In its exhibitions, the museum presents art from Japan and abroad while also highlighting art connected to Onomichi.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Architecture by Ando Tadao​​: In the new wing, where floor-to-ceiling glass faces concrete walls, shadows shift across the floors and walls with the movement of the sun.
• ​Tiled Roof Modeled After a Temple​​: The tiled roof of the main building was designed by modeling the shape and structure of the roof of nearby Saigo-ji Temple. Take notice of how it blends into the townscape of Onomichi, a town known for its many temples.
• ​Onomichi Outside the Windows​​: The bay windows on the second floor offer views of the beautiful townscape of Onomichi. In addition to the artworks, the museum features several quiet spaces dedicated simply to gazing at the scenery.

Tips for Exploring

Taking the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway up to Senko-ji Park is a convenient way to reach the museum. Visiting together with Senko-ji Temple and the Path of Literature, both located in the same park, is recommended. Highlights of Senko-ji Temple and the park are introduced in the "Senko-ji Temple" and "Senko-ji Park" guides.