About the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, opened in 1983, is a leading museum in Ishikawa Prefecture. Located in the cultural facility area adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden in the heart of Kanazawa City, it boasts a collection of approximately 5,000 works, primarily focusing on art and crafts nurtured by the history of Kaga Province (Kaga Hyakumangoku).
With its modern architecture and sophisticated exhibition spaces, visitors can appreciate a wide range of works, from works by artists associated with Ishikawa Prefecture and traditional crafts to ancient and contemporary art.
Highlights and Points to Note
National Treasure and Important Cultural Property Collection
Nonomura Ninsei’s “Iroe Kiji Koro” (Colored Porcelain Pheasant Incense Burner) is a national treasure proudly housed in this museum. A masterpiece by a master craftsman of Kyoto ware from the early Edo period, this incense burner, with its exquisitely detailed and vividly colored pheasant, is known as one of the finest examples in the history of Japanese ceramics.
Furthermore, the museum permanently displays valuable antique art objects, including important cultural properties such as armor and swords passed down through the Maeda family, and masterpieces of Kaga lacquerware.
Ishikawa’s Traditional Crafts
The museum systematically exhibits outstanding examples of Ishikawa Prefecture’s proud traditional crafts, such as Kaga Yuzen, Kutani ware, and Wajima lacquerware. Visitors can experience the history of both the inheritance and innovation of traditional techniques, including works by contemporary artists.
In particular, the Kaga Yuzen exhibition room allows visitors to admire magnificent kimono works up close, along with explanations of the production process and techniques.
Artists Associated with Ishikawa
The museum showcases a rich collection of works by artists associated with Ishikawa Prefecture, including works by Kiyokata Kaburagi, a Japanese painter from Kanazawa, and works by contemporary craftspeople designated as Living National Treasures.
Exhibition Structure
Permanent Exhibition
- Antique Art: Items passed down through the Maeda family, tea ceremony utensils, old Kutani ware, etc.
- Crafts: Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Kutani ware, Wajima lacquerware, Kanazawa gold leaf, etc.
- Painting & Sculpture: Modern and contemporary Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures
Special Exhibitions
Throughout the year, we hold themed exhibitions and traveling special exhibitions from all over Japan. Enjoy a diverse range of exhibitions, from traditional crafts to contemporary art.
Facility Information
Museum Facilities
- Museum Shop: Selling Ishikawa crafts, exhibition catalogs, and original goods
- Cafe: A relaxing space perfect for resting after viewing the exhibits
- Auditorium: Hosting lectures and workshops
- Free Lockers: Large luggage can be stored
Barrier-Free Accessibility
Wheelchair rental, multi-purpose restrooms, and elevators are available, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for everyone.
Access
Location
2-1 Dewa-cho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 920-0963
Access by Train and Bus
- From JR Kanazawa Station: Get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum” bus stop (Hokutetsu Bus), approximately 5 minutes on foot.
- Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus: Get off at “Ishikawa Prefectural Museum/Seisonkaku-mae” bus stop, immediately adjacent.
- Kanazawa Castle Town Loop Bus: Get off at “Hirosaka/21st Century Museum” bus stop, approximately 5 minutes on foot.
The total travel time from Kanazawa Station is approximately 15 minutes.
Access by Car
- Hokuriku Expressway: Approximately 30 minutes from Kanazawa West IC or Kanazawa East IC.
- Parking: Capacity for 60 regular cars (fee applies).
The area around Kenrokuen Garden can get crowded during peak tourist season, so we recommend using public transportation.
Location relative to surrounding facilities
- Kenrokuen Garden: Approximately 3 minutes on foot
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: Approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Seisonkaku Pavilion: Approximately 2 minutes on foot
- Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
This area is home to many cultural facilities, making it ideal for cultural walks visiting multiple locations.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours
- Normal Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM)
- Fridays during Special Exhibitions: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:30 PM)
Closed Days
- Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th – January 3rd)
- Exhibition changeover periods (several times a year)
Admission Fees
- Permanent Exhibition: General admission 370 yen, University students 290 yen, High school students and younger free
- Special Exhibitions: Varies depending on the exhibition
- Combined Ticket: Combined ticket available with the Prefectural History Museum
Discounts available for those 65 years and older and those with a disability certificate.
Benefits and Enjoyment of Viewing
Enhancement of Aesthetic Sense
By experiencing the refined art and crafts nurtured by the culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of craftsmanship. The exceptional skill of the traditional crafts, in particular, inspires awe and creativity in those who view them.
Learning about History and Culture
Through items related to the Maeda family, you can experience the history of the Kaga Domain and samurai culture. The tea ceremony utensils and Noh costumes convey the profound depth of daimyo culture.
Healing for the Soul
Spending time contemplating the artworks in the tranquil exhibition space brings peace of mind and spiritual refreshment. The delicate beauty of Japanese paintings and crafts, in particular, allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Recommended Viewing Plan
- Morning Visit: The museum is relatively uncrowded right after opening, allowing for a relaxed viewing experience.
- Utilize the Audio Guide: Listening to explanations of major works provides a deeper understanding.
- Combination with Kenrokuen Garden: A popular half-day course involves visiting the museum and then strolling through Kenrokuen Garden.
- Museum Shop: A valuable opportunity to actually touch and examine Ishikawa’s crafts.
Summary
The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art is a cultural facility where you can enjoy the essence of art and crafts nurtured by the history of Kaga, a domain worth one million koku. Its wide-ranging collection is a major attraction, including masterpieces such as the national treasure “Iroe Kiji Koro” (colored pheasant incense burner), numerous traditional Ishikawa crafts, and works by contemporary artists.
Visiting the museum in conjunction with Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, allows you to deeply experience the fusion of Kanazawa’s tradition and modern culture. It’s a museum you should definitely visit when sightseeing in Kanazawa.
