Bamboo folk art, antiques and wooden tools from a bygone era stand beside the modern works of art on display in this museum.
The Beppu Art Museum is recognizable by the tall tower rising from its center. Its interior is graced with the works of some of Japan’s most celebrated masters of modern art. Make your way through the exhibit to learn about the development and typical features of the country’s contemporary art.
Arrive at the intriguing building and notice the large Japanese symbols printed across the extended canopy marking the entrance and the brown chimney-like tower behind it. See works by renowned Japanese artists such as Fukuda Heihachiro and Yasui Soutarou.
Make sure to see the pieces on display in the temporary exhibits held here. Inspect the array of unusual features and exhibits in the folk material exhibition hall. Here, you’ll find many works crafted from bamboo, a specialty of the region.
Learn about local customs and traditions via the historic artifacts, such as tools and coins. You’ll also find an eclectic array of sculptures and antiques on display, with many made from wood and bamboo.
From the lobby, enjoy views of Beppu Bay and leafy Shoningahama Park. Note that the museum was first established elsewhere in 1950, before moving to its current location in 1984.
Purchase tickets for entry and get lower prices for children. Infants enter for free. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon.
The Beppu Art Museum is in the northeastern part of Beppu, a city in the Ōita Prefecture. Take the train to the Beppudaigaku railway station and walk east for about 5 minutes to reach the museum in its pleasant location overlooking the shore. You can also drive and leave your car in one of the many spaces near the front of the building.
While in the area, check out surrounding attractions such as the Shoningahama Seaside Sand Bath, the Oita Fragrance Museum and the Yukemuri Observatory.
