The museum's ceiling in the main atrium is composed of panels using traditional Oita bamboo craftsmanship.
The ground floor, known as the 'Atrium,' is designed to function as an extension of the public street, blurring the line between the museum and the city.
Shigeru Ban incorporated 72 motorized glass panels that can be fully opened to create an outdoor-indoor space during pleasant weather.
The museum structure utilizes CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) panels sourced from Oita forests to support regional sustainability.
A portion of the museum's walls uses Oita-sourced cedar wood, reflecting the prefecture's status as a leading producer of forest products.
The museum houses a specialized 'Art Cafe' that rotates its menu based on the themes of current major exhibitions.
The 'Museum Shop' features exclusive items crafted by local artisans from Beppu, famous for its long history of bamboo weaving.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM) features a distinctive glass-walled exterior that allows the interior to integrate with the surrounding urban landscape. The museum is renowned for its flexible exhibition spaces, including the large, multi-functional Atrium that connects directly to the street level via massive, operable glass doors. Its collection focuses on works by artists from Oita Prefecture and local craft traditions, alongside international contemporary rotating exhibitions. The building emphasizes transparency and openness, utilizing Washi paper and local wood in its interior design. The facility serves as a cultural hub, hosting community workshops, lecture series, and music performances in its public-access zones. Its architectural design is specifically engineered to adapt to different exhibition scales and requirements, making it a dynamic venue. The site maintains a strong commitment to accessibility and civic engagement through its open-plan architecture.
The wide-angle view of the central Atrium from the second-floor balcony looking down at the bamboo-influenced ceiling panels.
Check the official website for current exhibition schedules before visiting, as the large Atrium space is often reconfigured for community events.
Make use of the free-access areas on the ground floor if you are pressed for time, as these feature changing installations and architectural details.
Spend time on the second-floor gallery viewing areas to appreciate how the building's transparency interacts with the city view.
Do not assume the entire building requires an entry ticket, as the ground-floor Atrium and certain public zones are accessible for free.
Closed on certain days for exhibition installation; check the official calendar specifically for end-of-year holiday closures.
Refrain from touching artwork or using flash photography in galleries; quiet conversation is required in exhibition areas.
