Izumi Museum of Art

Izumi Museum of Art

Izumi museum of art opened on April 27, 1997 (Heisei 9), based on the private collection of Yoshimasa Yamanishi, the first administrative director of the museum, who was also the founder of IZUMI Co., Ltd. It was designed by Kiyoshi Tanaka, who has worked on many buildings with the traditional Japanese-style architecture. The museum’s name, “Izumi,” comes from the name of the company, and it means a source of hopes and dreams.

The small museum was born from the feelings of deep gratitude that the founder of IZUMI Co., Ltd., Yoshimasa Yamanishi had for the residents of the local community.

Walking and looking at the “heritage of our ancestors,” including works such as paintings and Chinese blue and white potteries, was the joy of Yoshimasa Yamanishi and his wife, Chieko. The collection took form as the couple had more encounters, one by one, with these works.

The inscription of “Izumi Museum of Art” in Japanese by the writing of the famed sculptor, Churyo Sato is a small point of pride of the museum. The words, which translate to “There is no art without consideration for our neighbors,” is one thing that shows the spirit of the museum.

I hope that, through various art activities, the museum will offer food for thought for people of the region including children and will become a place where you can encounter people who love the arts and where there is mutual sympathy, so that the museum will become a space where people can encounter “art that is kind and compassionate to other people.”

I would be incredibly happy if visitors spend a relaxing time here, as an art museum that is everyone can be familiar with.