🗺️ Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum岡本太郎記念館

The studio and residence of Taro Okamoto has been transformed into a memorial museum open to the public. He dedicated 42 years of his life to creation here until his passing at the age of 84 in 1996. His wife, Toshiko Okamoto, established the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum just two years after his death to pass on his artistic legacy to the next generation. The old building, designed by architect Junzo Sakakura, who embraced modernist architecture, has been preserved, while a newly built two-story wooden study and sculpture studio have been renovated into exhibition spaces. In the studio, one can see splattered paint on the floor, tools haphazardly piled on tables, and unfinished works displayed on shelves, all preserved in their original state as they were during his active years. The immersive atmosphere makes it feel as if Taro Okamoto could suddenly appear, captivating the hearts of visitors. In the museum's garden, sculptures are casually placed among naturally growing plants, as if they were tossed there without care. The landscape, where sculptures blend seamlessly with nature, serves as an important medium for conveying Taro Okamoto's aesthetic. The second-floor exhibition room hosts various themed exhibitions throughout the year. The changing artworks according to themes create a fresh atmosphere each time. The museum shop offers over a hundred art-related books and numerous products, making it worth a visit. Non-ticket holders can also enter the shop, and many fans come specifically to shop.

The studio and residence where Taro Okamoto actually created his works is open for visits. Today, it is filled with a sense of presence as if Taro Okamoto might suddenly appear. The exhibition room on the second floor hosts various themed exhibitions throughout the year. The memorial shop, filled with a variety of products and books, can be entered for shopping without the need to purchase a ticket.