A quiet and relaxing space in a department store
Enter an artistic space!
YOKOHAMA ART SPOT FILE
You might come across some moving art in between your shopping!
Sogo Museum of Art
Did you know that there is a quiet and relaxing art museum on the sixth floor of the Sogo Yokohama department store, located at the east exit of Yokohama Station? The Sogo Museum of Art opened in September 1985, at the same time as the department store opened, as a cultural facility that aims to serve as a base for disseminating information about lifestyles, culture, and culture. It is known for its collection of approximately 160 oil paintings and watercolors by Suzuki Shintaro, a painter who was active in the Western-style painting world of the Showa era. In addition to exhibitions of Western-style paintings, Japanese paintings, sculptures, and prints, the museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions, including unique special exhibitions themed around science fiction films and girls' manga. Another appealing feature is the opportunity to casually drop in during your shopping trip and experience the world of art.
This is the ticket booth located next to the museum entrance. Admission fees vary depending on the special exhibition. The opening hours are basically the same as the Sogo Yokohama store, from 10:00 to 20:00 (admission is allowed until 30 minutes before closing).
*Closing times may be earlier on the final day of special exhibitions.
Once you've purchased your ticket, you can leave your luggage and coat in this locker. The lockers are coin-returnable (100 yen), so you'll get your 100 yen back when you retrieve your belongings after viewing the exhibits. Of course, there's also an umbrella stand across the street.
After showing my ticket, I found this sign before entering the building.
If you want to take notes on what you feel and learn while admiring art, be sure to take advantage of this free rental service for simple pencils and pegsticks. Normally, in art galleries and museums that display important works of art, it is considered good manners to avoid using pencils or mechanical pencils that are prone to breakage, or ballpoint pens or fountain pens that may splatter ink. Feel free to ask a member of staff if you would like to borrow one.
When I visited for this article, the exhibition "Trends in Painting: Japanese and Western Paintings from the Showa to Meiji Periods" (Saturday, March 4th, 2017 - Sunday, April 9th, 2017) was being held. I was given special permission to take a few photos inside the museum. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a quiet space that seemed like a different world from the bustling department store I had just been in.
Depending on the special exhibition, there may be a video corner where you can watch the exhibits while sitting in a chair.
After enjoying your fill of wonderful art, head to the museum shop attached to the museum. There are a variety of art and design goods available, including original goods based on the works in the current exhibition. Browse the museum shop after viewing your art, and it's a great way to enjoy yourself.
In one corner of the museum shop, you can also find original museum goods designed by Fukuoka Minamiko, based on the work of the aforementioned painter Suzuki Shintaro! There are lots of stylish and cute designs that are perfect for the current mood.
From the currently popular masking tape to mugs, tote bags, pins, clear files, stickers, postcards, and more, you can purchase items even if you're not visiting the museum, so be sure to stop by and take a look.
Sogo Museum of Art
[Location] Sogo Yokohama
[TEL] 045-465-5515 (direct line to the museum)
