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Museums #2 in Yotsukaidō

Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art

4.4 · 2,268 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Japan, 〒285-8505 Chiba, Sakura, Sakado, Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art, 631
Interesting facts
1

The museum features a dedicated 'Rothko Room' designed by the architect to emphasize the meditative qualities of the artist's color field paintings.

2

The facility was established by DIC Corporation, a Japanese chemical firm specializing in printing inks and synthetic resins.

3

The grounds encompass roughly 10 hectares of land, including a large water feature and managed forest walking paths.

4

The building's geometry is based on a complex arrangement of squares and triangles, creating distinctive interior viewing angles.

5

The permanent collection spans from Rembrandt and Renoir to contemporary legends like Frank Stella and Cy Twombly.

Overview

The Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art is renowned for its diverse collection of 20th-century Western and Japanese art, housed within a facility designed to harmonize with its surrounding 30-acre woodland park. The museum was founded by DIC Corporation, a global chemical company, to display their extensive private art collection. The architecture features unique, triangular skylights that provide natural illumination throughout the galleries. Its permanent collection includes significant works by Mark Rothko, specifically the 'Rothko Room,' which is custom-designed for seven large-scale paintings. The museum also hosts major temporary exhibitions of international and domestic contemporary art. Visitors can access a large botanical garden, which includes a pond and seasonal flora like azaleas and cherry blossoms. The museum grounds are intentionally landscaped to offer a tranquil escape from urban environments.

Photo spot

The exterior facade reflected in the large pond on the museum grounds.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive outdoor gardens and woodland trails.

Allocate time for the museum's garden path, which features different blooms depending on the season.

Check the official website for current special exhibition rotations before visiting.

What to avoid

Assuming the museum is within walking distance of central Sakura; it is isolated and requires planned transportation.

Good to know

Typically closed on Mondays; occasionally closed between exhibition rotations.

Etiquette

Maintain silence in the galleries; no flash photography allowed inside; do not touch artwork.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in spring or autumn to enjoy the seasonal flora in the gardens with fewer crowds.
Address
Japan, 〒285-8505 Chiba, Sakura, Sakado, Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art, 631
35.655, 140.223
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsMark Rothko's Seagram Murals, works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and contemporary abstract artists.
Facility featuresWoodland walking trails, botanical gardens, and custom-designed gallery architecture.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in spring or autumn to enjoy the seasonal flora in the gardens with fewer crowds..

The exterior facade reflected in the large pond on the museum grounds.

Close by you'll find 散策路, National Museum of Japanese History, Chiba Zoological Park.