About us
Greeting
The Yokohama Museum of Art was founded in 1989 to foster the development of a rich civic culture in Yokohama by encouraging citizens to appreciate modern and contemporary art and engage in creative activities.
As an art museum located in a renowned international port city, the focus of the museum's collection is on art made after 1859, the year in which the Port of Yokohama first opened. We are especially proud to have an outstanding collection of photography, as Yokohama was one of the birthplaces of that medium in this country.
Another important mission is to encourage creative activities among citizens and children by providing various courses and classes. Our Art Information and Media Center also helps disseminate information about art, and fosters research by housing a collection of art books and video materials available for use by visitors.
The circumstances surrounding art museums have changed rapidly over the first decade of the 21st century, and we continue to strive to update our mission accordingly. At the same time, we maintain our commitment to reflect and epitomize the innovative, open-minded and cosmopolitan spirit of Yokohama. It is our wish that the Yokohama Museum of Art serve both the people of Yokohama, Japan and the world as a venue for showcasing and conducting research into a wide range of art.
OSAKA Eriko Director, Yokohama Museum of Art
Photo:The Kanagawa-Shimbun
| 1987 | October | Establishment of the Yokohama Art Foundation |
| 1988 | March | Construction of the building completed |
| September | Promulgation of the Yokohama Museum of Art Ordinance by Yokohama City | |
| 1989 | February | Completion of the external portions of the museum |
| March 25 | The Yokohama Museum of Art is opened, initially as one of the pavilions of Yokohama Exposition '89 | |
| November 3 | The Yokohama Museum of Art Ordinance comes into force and the facilities are opened to the public | |
| 2002 | April | The foundation managing the museum merges with the Yokohama Culture Foundation and is renamed the Yokohama Arts Foundation |
| 2006 | April | The designated administrator system is adopted by Yokohama City and the Yokohama Arts Foundation is appointed administrator of the Yokohama Museum of Art |
| 2008 | April | A joint-venture between Yokohama Arts Foundation, Sotetsu Agency and Mitsubishi Estate Building Management becomes the designated administrator of the museum |
| 2009 | The Yokohama Arts Foundation is re-chartered as an incorporated public-interest foundation |
Building overview
Site area: 19,803㎡
Building area: 9,621㎡
Total floor space: 26,829㎡
Construction: Steel girder and frame reinforced concrete;8 stories, with one section being 3-stories
Architect: Tange Kenzo Associates Urbanists-Architects
Direction: City of Yokohama Housing and Architecture Bureau and Tange Kenzo Associates Urbanists-Architects
Photo: KASAGI Yasuyuki
