The museum houses a specialized 'Palette Collection' featuring palettes used by hundreds of world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall.
The founder, Jin Hasegawa, was the proprietor of the prestigious Nichido Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo.
The museum complex includes a dedicated building for Japanese oil painting that highlights the development of the genre during the Meiji period.
The site includes a French-style garden that bridges the gap between the various gallery buildings.
The museum often collaborates with regional Kasama-yaki pottery artisans for themed displays.
The collection holds over 3,000 items, spanning from Western masters to contemporary Japanese artists.
The Kasama Nichido Museum of Art is a private art museum founded in 1972 by gallery owner Hasegawa Jin and his wife Rinko. The museum is recognized for its extensive collection of French Impressionist works and modern Japanese oil paintings. The complex features multiple buildings, including the Palette Wing, which displays a unique collection of artists' palettes donated by prominent figures. Its permanent collection includes works by Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne. The museum grounds are integrated into the historical landscape of Kasama, known for its long tradition of ceramics. It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on both domestic and international art movements.
The French-style garden area between the museum buildings, especially when the seasonal flowers are in bloom.
Dedicate time to the Palette Wing, as it is a unique feature not found in most standard art museums.
Walk the garden connecting the buildings to see outdoor sculptures and seasonal flora.
Check the official website for rotating special exhibitions before your visit to see if the theme aligns with your interests.
Do not rush through the Palette Wing, as it is the most distinct part of the collection; avoid visiting if you are only interested in traditional Japanese art, as the focus is heavily weighted toward Western oil painting and modern Japanese interpretations.
Closed on Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday).
Refrain from touching artwork or using flash photography inside the galleries; maintain a quiet tone in the exhibition halls.
