Ohara Museum of Art is located in the center of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, in the heart of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. It was founded in 1930 by Kurashiki businessman Ohara Magosaburo to commemorate the achievements of his close friend and Western-style painter Kojima Torajiro. It opened as the first private art museum in Japan to specialize in Western art, and its collection is representative of Japan in both quality and quantity. You can see works by great masters such as El Greco's "Annunciation" and Monet's "Water Lilies," as well as Matisse, Gauguin, Picasso, and Chagall up close.

In addition to the main building, there is the "Crafts and Oriental Gallery," which exhibits modern and contemporary Japanese art, and the "Kojiro Kojima Memorial Museum," which collects works by Kojima Torajiro, so you can experience a wide range of art works. The Crafts and Oriental Gallery in particular is worth seeing, with its antique Oriental art and works by Japan's leading craftsmen such as Munakata Shiko, Hamada Shoji, and Kawai Kanjiro.

The museum building itself is beautiful, and its scenery that harmonizes with the willow trees along the Kurashiki River is one of the symbols of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. In addition to appreciating art, you can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and architecture. This is a spot full of cultural charm that art fans, as well as those who are sightseeing in Kurashiki, should definitely visit.

[Trivia]
Ohara Magosaburo, the founder of the Ohara Museum of Art, was not just an art collector, but also a person who was committed to social welfare and educational projects. The background to the establishment of the museum is a story of deep friendship, in which Kojima Torajiro worked hard to nurture young Japanese painters while collecting art in Europe.

[Hidden Spot Information]
Behind the main building of the Ohara Museum of Art is a beautiful courtyard that is perfect for a break from your stroll. The garden, which changes its appearance with each season, is a soothing space. In addition, the "Kataraza Ohara Hontei" next to the museum is also recommended as a place to learn about the history of the Ohara family. It is Ohara Magosaburo's birthplace and offers a glimpse into life at that time.