Hyōgo Prefectural Museum of Art

Welcome to the Hyōgo Prefectural Museum of Art, a remarkable architectural achievement located on the waterfront of Kobe’s Nada Ward. Designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando and opened in 2002, this museum is…

Our tour begins at the primary entrance approach from the city side. One of the most effective ways to enter the museum is via the elegant footbridge that leads you toward the main building. …

Once you enter the main grounds, you find yourself on a vast platform of polished white granite. This massive 'plinth' serves as the foundation for the entire museum, literally elevating the art and the visitors above the…

One of the most photographed and architecturally significant features of the museum is the circular light well, which houses a spectacular set of spiral staircases. Located in the middle of the 'street' between the main volumes,…

To fully appreciate the genius behind this structure, one must visit the Ando Gallery, which opened in 2019 on the second and third floors of the museum. This dedicated space is a treasure trove for architecture lovers,…

Stepping out from the galleries and onto the coastal terraces, you are greeted by the full majesty of the Kobe waterfront. This end of the structure is completely open to the Seascape, with generous windows and wide eaves that…

To conclude our tour, we look at the museum's role within the broader HAT Kobe district. This area was an old port area that was almost entirely destroyed during the 1995 earthquake. …

As we conclude our audio guide to the Hyōgo Prefectural Museum of Art, take a final moment to reflect on the remarkable journey we have taken through this coastal masterpiece. From the severe, opaque facade that greeted us at the…