Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art

Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art — view
Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
MARUGAME, JAPAN · 1991

Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art

A modernist art museum housing the life’s work of painter Gen’ichirō Inokuma, with a collection of around twenty thousand pieces and rotating exhibitions of contemporary artists.

At a glance

MIMOCA, as the museum is known locally, opened its doors in 1991 as a repository for the artistic legacy of Gen’ichirō Inokuma, one of Japan’s most prolific modern painters. The building itself is an architectural statement—designed by internationally renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi. The museum balances a permanent collection with an active program of special exhibitions.

History

The museum was established in 1991 to preserve and display the collection of Gen’ichirō Inokuma, who donated some twenty thousand works to the institution. This generous gift became the foundation of MIMOCA’s permanent holdings, reflecting decades of artistic practice and experimentation. Since its founding, the museum has evolved into a venue for contemporary art exhibitions beyond Inokuma’s own work.

What you see

Yoshio Taniguchi’s design brings modernist principles to the museum’s form and function. The architect is known for creating spaces that serve the art rather than overshadow it. The building’s clean lines and thoughtful proportions create an environment conducive to viewing both the permanent Inokuma collection and visiting contemporary works.

Cultural significance

The museum stands as a monument to postwar Japanese artistic achievement and to the practice of artists donating major works to public institutions. Inokuma’s prolific output—represented across twenty thousand pieces—documents the evolution of modern Japanese art. The rotating exhibitions ensure the museum remains a living forum for contemporary artistic dialogue.

Key facts

  • Opened: 1991
  • Architect: Yoshio Taniguchi
  • Location: Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
  • Coordinates: 34.291188, 133.792205
  • Collection: approximately 20,000 works by Gen’ichirō Inokuma

Practical information & getting there

The museum is located in Marugame in Kagawa Prefecture. For current opening hours, admission fees, and exhibition schedules, visit the museum’s official website or contact them directly before planning your visit.

Sources & resources

Editorial text © Cultural Heritage Online. Facts drawn from Wikipedia/Wikidata.

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