Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art: A Meeting of Architectur

Hello~

｜Today, I would like to share with you my trip to Fukuoka - Kitakyushu Museum of Art 2024.05.25

Today, I would like to talk about Kitakyushu City Museum of Art. The most impressive thing about Kitakyushu City Museum of Art is its unique telescope building!

Kitakyushu City Museum of Art

Today, we are going to discuss the following topics:

- Historical buildings of the Museum of Fine Arts

- About Shin Isozaki

- Museum Floor Guide

- Exterior and interior design of the Museum

- Introduction to the statues in the lobby of the Museum of Fine Arts

- Musee Cafe in the Museum

- Feelings and analysis after exploring the museum

- Museum Information

- Musee Cafe Basic Information

Museum of Art Historical Building

       The Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art, located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is an important cultural landmark in the region. Opened in 1974, the museum was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, blending modern architecture with the natural landscape.

       The building itself displays a strong sense of geometric beauty that complements the surrounding environment. Over the years, the museum has become an integral part of the cultural life of Kitakyushu's citizens and visitors. It not only displays a wealth of artwork but also organizes various educational activities and art exhibitions, providing the community with valuable cultural resources.

About Arata Isozaki

       Arata Isozaki, born in 1931 in Oita Prefecture, Japan, is a world-renowned architect known for his avant-garde design concepts and diverse architectural styles. After graduating with a degree in Architecture from the University of Tokyo, Isozaki established the Isozaki Arata Atelier in 1963, launching his illustrious architectural career.

       Isozaki's works are widely distributed around the world and encompass a variety of building types, including museums, theaters, stadiums, office buildings, and residences. His designs are recognized for their unique forms and deep philosophical reflections, often blending elements of both Eastern and Western cultures, and emphasizing harmony between the building and its environment. For example, his designs for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona (Palau Sant Jordi), are exemplary of this style.

        Over the course of his career, Isozaki has received numerous international awards and honors, including the 2019 Pritzker Architecture Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in architecture. Isozaki's influence lies not only in his exceptional architectural work but also in his profound contributions to architectural theory and his inspiration and guidance for future generations of architects. He is one of the most important figures in 20th and 21st century architecture, and his work and ideas have had a profound impact on architectural design around the world.

Photo excerpt from Google

Art Museum Floor Guide

Building exterior and interior space design of the Museum of Fine Arts

        Designed by renowned architect Arata Isozaki, the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art's exterior is made of brick-red reinforced concrete, a choice that is both durable and visually appealing.      

        The use of geometric shapes such as trapezoids, rectangles, and triangles creates a dynamic aesthetic effect. The texture and color of the facade contrast sharply with the surrounding natural landscape, yet harmonize with it through the clever design of lines and proportions. The large glass wall at the entrance lets natural light penetrate into the halls, creating an interplay of light and shadow that adds a sense of transparency and lightness to the entire building.

        Walking into the museum, the first thing that strikes you is the spacious and bright hall, where the high ceiling and open design create a sense of grandeur. The ceiling features a large glass skylight, allowing natural light to fully penetrate the interior. The light flows with the changing time of day, bringing dynamic visual effects to the space. The exposed steel structure on the ceiling emphasizes the modern aesthetics of the industrial style and echoes the geometric theme of the entire building.

Kitakyushu City Museum of Art Hall Design

        The mobility of the interior space is one of the highlights of Isozaki's design. The layout emphasizes the visitor experience, with smooth transitions between corridors and exhibition halls, allowing visitors to move freely and experience the continuity between different areas. The exhibition halls feature a mix of large open spaces and small, private rooms to accommodate various types of exhibits. Each hall has a unique lighting design that utilizes skylights, side windows, and internal light sources to create multi-layered light and shadow effects.

View of the second floor of the Museum of Fine Arts

View of the third floor of the Museum of Fine Arts

       In the corner design, Arata Isozaki boldly utilizes a combination of sharp corners and curved lines, creating a dynamic and layered space. These designs break the monotony of the space and bring surprises to the visitors. The stairwells are also full of artistry, with spiral staircases paired with natural light to create an upward momentum that guides visitors to continue exploring.

Corner design of the staircase on the first floor of the Art Museum

Corner design of the staircase on the second floor of the Art Museum

       The choice of materials inside the building also reflects the designer's meticulous consideration. The extensive use of wood and metal gives the space both a warm texture and a modern sense of coldness. The transitions in wall and floor materials, from stone to wood to concrete, provide different sensations and visual experiences. These design details not only enhance the texture of the building but also allow visitors to explore the space and feel the deep dialogue between architecture and art.

       Additionally, there are quiet resting areas where visitors can take a break and appreciate the artworks in the museum's exhibition area. Comfortable seats are scattered throughout, allowing people to sit down easily and immerse themselves in the artistic atmosphere, making their resting time even more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Rest area next to the exhibition area in the Museum of Fine Arts

Lounge area on the first floor of the Museum of Fine Arts

Introduction to the statues in the lobby of the Museum of Fine Arts

This museum is renowned for its rich art collection and modern design. Upon entering the lobby, you are greeted by two eye-catching statues that have become focal points and representative symbols of the museum.

Every visitor to the Kitakyushu City Museum of Art can pause in front of the statues to experience the impact of art and a heartfelt resonance. The presence of the statues not only enhances the museum's artistic atmosphere but also provides an unforgettable cultural journey for each visitor. With smooth lines and dynamic gestures, the statues exemplify the perfect combination of power and beauty. Made of high-quality bronze, they are carefully polished and processed to present a delicate luster on the surface, giving a sense of stability and elegance. Below is a description of the two statues:

Penelope ペネロープ

Title: Penelope ペネロープ

Author's name：Budel, Emile

Year of Birth and Death: 1861-1929

Production Year：1912

Dimensions: 240.5 x 93.0 x 73.0 centimeters

Material: Bronze

Introduction: Born in Montauban, southern France, Bourdelle's father was a furniture maker. Bourdelle believed that sculpture should be composed of "mass and volume" and that it must be grand, lively, and lyrical. This work is based on Greek mythology, one of his favorite themes. The lady in this work is modeled after Penelope, the devoted wife awaiting the return of her husband Odysseus, who fought in the Trojan War.

Pierre de Vissan ピエール・ド・ヴィッサン

Title: Pierre de Vissan ピエール・ド・ヴィッサン

Author name：RODIN, Auguste

Birth and Death Years：1840-1917

Production Year：1884-1895

Size: 204.5 x 96.0 x 100.0 centimeters

Material: bronze

Description: This piece belongs to the "Citizens of Calais" series, which commemorates the citizens who were taken hostage to save Calais. Rodin portrays these six warriors, each with a unique pose. In this particular work, the movement of one figure is pivotal to the group's depiction: his right arm raised high, his upper body twisted violently, his head turned to the side, initially appearing tense, yet his gestures maintain a delicate balance. From the facial expression to the smallest details, there is a profound sense of despair. Regardless of the viewing angle, one can feel the tension conveyed by the figure's tense posture. These primitive emotions and realistic physical manifestations are typical features of Rodin's sculptures.

Musee Cafe in the Museum

There is a Musee Cafe in the museum, offering a perfect blend of art and food.

The café offers a fine selection of coffees and teas, as well as a variety of delicious light meals and desserts, allowing visitors to enjoy a delicious feast for the taste buds while admiring the artwork. The spacious and brightly lit dining environment mirrors the surrounding artwork, adding a cultural flavor to the dining experience.

Cafe Space

Musee Cafe serves as an ideal spot for relaxation and art appreciation, bringing joy and satisfaction to the museum's visitors.

Insights and Analysis after Exploring the Museum of Art

       After visiting the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art, I was deeply impressed by the seamless integration of art and architecture. Arata Isozaki's design transcends mere functionality, transforming the museum into a captivating work of art that harmonizes with nature and humanity. The fluidity of the museum's interior and exterior spaces encourages visitors to explore freely and discover the surprises hidden in every corner. The statues in the halls, with their delicate expressions, provoke contemplation on the profound connection between life and art.

       This visit not only allowed me to appreciate the richness of the artworks but also deepened my understanding and appreciation of the fusion of architecture and art.

Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to my dear friend (on the left) for accompanying me on this enriching journey!

Kitakyushu City Museum of Art Basic Information

📍 Address: 21-1 Nishi-Haya-cho, Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu City

📞 Telephone number: +81 93-882-7777

📮 Zip code: 804-0024

⏰ Business hours: 9:30-17:30 (last admission 17:00)

⚠️ Closed: Every Monday, Year-end and New Year holidays (If Monday is a holiday or a supplementary holiday, it will be postponed to the next day)

Musee Cafe Basic Information

📍 Area: 2F of the Main Building

📞 Phone number: +81 93-616-9777

⏰ Business hours 10:30-17:30 (last order 17:00)

⏰ Lunch time 11:30～15:00

⚠️ Closed: Every Monday, Year-end and New Year holidays (If Monday is a holiday or a supplementary holiday, it will be postponed to the next day)

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