🗺️ Otaru Art Village Glass Art Museum小樽芸術村 ステンドグラス美術館

One of the four art museums within the Otaru Art Village. It showcases approximately 100 pieces of stained glass made in England from the late 19th to early 20th century, which were actually used to decorate church windows. The stained glass windows of churches are the highlights of this museum. In recent years, many churches in England have been demolished for various reasons, leading to the disappearance of many stained glass windows. Fortunately, some of these stained glass pieces were acquired by art dealers and preserved. These intact glass works, having crossed the ocean, are now exhibited in Otaru, spanning over a century of history. The buildings are the "Old Takahashi Warehouse" and "Old Arata Trading Company," designated as historical buildings by Otaru City. They feature a fire-resistant "wooden frame stone structure," and the interior lighting is dim. The light that filters through the colored glass creates a strong contrast with the darkness, creating a fantastical and beautiful space. You are welcome to appreciate the uniquely elegant architecture and the artistic atmosphere woven from light and darkness.

Showcasing the stained glass windows of the British Church. Free audio guides are available in Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. The designated historic buildings in Otaru City are also worth a visit.