Often overshadowed by the more spectacular collections in Fukuoka’s other museums, the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art is nonetheless worth a visit for its robust collection of local artists. Ensconced in the exceedingly pleasant Susaki Park, its art includes work by local artists including Sakamoto Hanjiro and Koga Harue as well as rotating exhibits and some high-tech rooms. Spend an hour admiring the art, then sit in the pleasant on-site café to sip tea while looking out upon the greenery of the well-manicured park.
Walk slowly through the main exhibition room, which is designed to highlight the continuities through the heritage of Fukuoka’s artistic movements. Peer closely at the delicate artistry in Jiro Takashimino’s Candle, easily the highlight of the permanent collection. Trace the evolution of art and notice the international influences on display in the choice of materials and motifs that dance across the canvases.
Learn about calligraphy, explore the Showa era or even see local children’s art in the adjacent special exhibition room, whose displays change regularly. In the high-vision gallery, sit back and watch as world-famous works of art are projected on a 70-inch (178-centimeter) screen, allowing you to appreciate previously unseen details. Flip through some of the 3 million books and pamphlets housed in the art library, then get a tea from the café, which has beautiful views over the park.
The Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art is located in the Tenjin neighborhood, near the bank of the Naka River and on the edge of the dock neighborhood. The closest subway stop is a 10-minute walk away. Drive from the airport in 15 minutes. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday during regular business hours, with last entry 30 minutes before the museum officially closes its doors. Park for free on site. There is an admission fee for the permanent exhibition. Special exhibits have variable additional fees and are sometimes free.
