The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is a small but well designed exhibition space that features both standing displays from local Hokkaido artists and seasonal exhibits by Japanese and international artists. Paintings and sculptures by Hokkaido artists including Eien Iwahashi, Tamako Kataoka, Kinjiro Kida and Nissho Kanda are on display, as well as an extensive collection of glass works, ranging from Art Nouveau pieces to works by artists of the Ecole de Paris.
The museum was opened in 1977 following requests from local residents. The museum has hosted works by many artists over the years, and has established a reputation for its extensive collection of glass works. In addition to the main building, the expansive and natural grounds of the Sculpture Garden are also dotted with works. The museum’s volunteer members give 30 minute guided tours three times a day on weekdays and once on weekends in the Permanent Collection Galleries, and every Saturday from 14:00-14:30 the museum curator gives a talk related to the works exhibited in the Permanent Collection Galleries. There is also a gift shop on site which sells various works, postcards and souvenirs.
The museum is located 4 blocks west and two blocks north from the west end of Odori Park and Shiryokan Sapporo Court of Appeals Museum, putting it within walking range of the Odori area and Sapporo Station. It’s also just a few blocks west of the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens and the two of them together can make for a nice walking tour. You can also get to the museum by taking the Sapporo Subway to Nishi 18 Chome Station on the Tozai line (orange line). The Museum is a five-minute walk from Exit 4. Alternately you can take the JR or Chuo bus from Sapporo Station and get off at the Doritsu-kindai-bijutsukan stop. Both buses stop across the street from the Museum. The Sapporo “LINCLE” bus is also available from April 24th till November 3rd. Get off at “Kindai-bijutsukan-mae”.
Although not a large museum, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art has some quality exhibitions and makes for a very nice afternoon trip, especially if combined with a walk through Odori Park, a visit to the Shiryokan Sapporo Court of Appeals Museum and the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens.
This post is also available in: Japanese