Located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, this area is known for its rich natural surroundings and a population of around 170,000. Thanks to numerous tourist attractions, Hirosaki is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.

What attractions can you find in Hirosaki City? For example, there’s Hirosaki Castle, a grand structure that has stood at the heart of the city since the feudal era. It is now a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.

Surrounding the castle, Hirosaki Park hosts various seasonal events such as the Hirosaki Sakura Festival, the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival, and the Snow Lantern Festival, which are beloved by tourists.

In summer, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri takes place, where vibrant floats inspired by figures from the Three Kingdoms period and Sengoku-era warlords parade through the city, attracting large crowds.

Hirosaki also offers a variety of other attractions, including Iwakiyama Shrine at the foot of the scenic Iwaki Mountain, and several hot springs known for their various therapeutic benefits. But this time, we’ll focus on a newer addition to the city’s cultural scene: the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, which opened in 2020. Let’s take a look at what makes this museum worth visiting.

A Museum with a Touch of Meiji and Taisho-Era Charm

The Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in a building that was originally constructed during the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods and has been renovated into a modern museum. The land where the museum stands has a long history, dating back to the 1880s when it was first developed as an apple orchard.

In the early 1900s, the area saw the construction of a brick factory for sake brewing. After World War II, the factory was repurposed into a cider production facility by Asahi Cidery Co., which later passed the operation to Nikka Whisky Co. The cider production eventually moved to a new factory elsewhere in Hirosaki, and the warehouse was used by the government to store rice

In the late 1990s, there was a movement to repurpose the old brick warehouse. By the early 2000s, renowned contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara held three exhibitions at the warehouse, sparking the idea to transform the space into a museum. In 2018, renovation work began with the goal of preserving as much of the original structure as possible, and after nearly two years of construction, the museum officially opened in 2020.

The architectural design of the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art was handled by Tsuyoshi Tane, a renowned architect known for his work on the Estonian National Museum and the Toraya Paris store.

One of the museum’s highlights is its roof, which changes its appearance depending on the time of day and weather conditions. During sunny days, the roof reflects the blue of the sky, and as the evening sets in, it turns a reddish-gold color. At night, the building is beautifully illuminated. These unique features make the museum an exciting experience for visitors, so if you’re in Hirosaki, make sure to visit.

The Mission of Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

Since its opening in 2020, the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art has become a popular destination for tourists. But what mission does the museum have? The museum’s purpose can be broken down into three main objectives:

1. Preserving the Memory of Architecture and Creating New Spatial Experiences

The museum aims to preserve the historic brick warehouse from the Meiji and Taisho periods while providing new experiences through art exhibitions. For example, the design of the roof was inspired by the golden color of cider, and works by contemporary artists from Japan and abroad are displayed.

2. Developing New Possibilities for the Region and Revitalizing its History

The museum showcases artworks that engage with the history and culture of Hirosaki and the Tohoku region. Inside, there is a library containing about 2,600 books related to local history and art, which is free for the public to use.

3. Sharing Different Values and Cultivating Open Sensibilities

The museum hosts contemporary art exhibitions and various events, encouraging new encounters and fostering a sense of openness and creativity in visitors.

These three goals form the foundation of the museum’s operation, and in the following section, we will explore some of the programs they offer.

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

※The Exhibition introduced here has now ended. Click here for details of current exhibitions.

　Exhibitions | Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

At the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, contemporary art exhibitions are regularly held, showcasing the work of active artists. For example, as of the Spring and Summer Program in 2022, the museum hosted a solo exhibition by Ryoji Ikeda, an artist and composer based in Paris and Kyoto. The exhibition featured audiovisual works designed specifically for the museum’s architectural space

In addition to exhibitions, the museum also organizes workshops, talks by people connected to Hirosaki, and other events. If you’re visiting Hirosaki, be sure to stop by the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy contemporary art and the events on offer.

Limited-Time Menu for Exhibitions

※The menu introduced here is no longer available. Click here for details on current limited-time and collaboration menus.

　Cafe & Shop | Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

Alongside its exhibitions, the museum’s café and shop offer limited-time menus and related merchandise. For example, during the Ryoji Ikeda exhibition in 2022, a special dish called “Risotto Monochrome” was served at the adjacent CAFE & RESTAURANT BRICK. This dish featured Aomori-grown brown rice combined with the sharpness of blue cheese and the sweetness of apples, garnished with a crisp made from bamboo charcoal Parmesan cheese and a balsamic vinegar sauce infused with Aomori burdock.

If you visit during an exhibition, be sure to try these unique dishes after enjoying the art!

Summary!

Today, we’ve shared an introduction to the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. As a side note, the CAFE & RESTAURANT BRICK, located next to the museum, offers delicious apple pie, so if you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by after your visit.

Additionally, the museum shop HIROSAKI MOCA sells original items related to the museum as well as exhibition-themed products. Don’t forget to check it out!

Stay tuned for more information on other tourist spots and dining experiences in Hirosaki, which will help you discover even more hidden gems in the area.

• Facility Name: Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art
• Location: 2-1 Yoshino-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-8188
• Phone: 0172-32-8950
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Tuesdays (if it is a public holiday, it will be moved to the next day) and New Year holidays
• Access: Access | Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art
• Official Website: Website, Instagram