Opened in 1992, the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art Chibajo Branch is a significant work of the Kumamoto Art-polis Project, an ambitious initiative that paired internationally renowned architects with public buildings to create lasting cultural landmarks. The structure was originally built as a library and later transformed into an art museum by Spanish architects Elías Torres and José Antonio Martínez Lapeña, in collaboration with Daiwa Architects.

The exterior is clad in locally sourced soft brown stone laid in a bold 45-degree diamond pattern, deliberately referencing the musha-gaeshi (warrior-repelling) stone walls of nearby Kumamoto Castle. The architects famously described the building as “an armed warrior standing beside his noble lord,” expressing its assertive yet respectful relationship with the historic fortress.

Above, copper-coated roof canopies rise sharply, often compared to the silhouette of a samurai helmet, while also functioning as skylights that introduce soft, natural light into the galleries. Inside, the building comprises four above-ground floors and one basement level, centered around a vertical atrium softened by warm wood paneling that contrasts with the fortress-like exterior.

Following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the museum underwent careful repairs and restoration. Today, it is fully operational and continues to serve as an important cultural venue within the castle district.

Unlike the main Prefectural Museum of Art in Ninomaru Park, which houses permanent collections such as the Eisei Bunko Hosokawa Collection, the Chibajo Branch focuses on temporary and community-oriented exhibitions. Three main galleries host a constantly changing program ranging from traditional calligraphy and Japanese sword arts to contemporary photography, sculpture, and local student exhibitions.

• Castle Shuttle Bus: Take the Shiro-megurin sightseeing loop bus and get off directly at the museum stop

• Tram: About a 5-minute walk from Kumamoto City Hall (Shiyakusho-mae) tram stop

• Walking: Approximately 10 minutes from Kumamoto Castle’s main entrance or the Sakura-no-baba Josaien area

• Visit in the afternoon to enjoy the best natural light through the geometric skylights

• The fourth-floor café is a quiet “hidden gem” with direct, eye-level views of Kumamoto Castle—ideal for photographers

• Exhibition spaces may close briefly during installation changes; checking schedules in advance is recommended

• The building itself, the art library, and the café can often be entered without an exhibition ticket

Admission Fee:

• Varies by exhibition (typically 200–500 yen)

• Many community-hosted exhibitions offer free admission

Opening Time:

• Tuesday–Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Last entry 6:00 PM)

• Weekends & National Holidays: 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM (Last entry 4:45 PM)

• Closed: Mondays

  • If Monday is a national holiday, the museum opens on Monday and closes the following Tuesday

  • Closed during New Year holidays