"Kanagawa Prefectural Hall" where you can meet the modern architecture of the 70's (1/2)

Infiltrate an art space!
YOKOHAMA ART SPOT FILE

A place that has watched over the history of art and culture in Yokohama
Kanagawa Kenmin Hall

This time, we would like to introduce the Kanagawa Prefectural Hall, which opened on January 17, 1975, 40 years ago, as one of Japan's leading large-scale cultural facilities. First, let the hall staff guide you to the lobby on the 2nd floor of the building.

Wow, super cool! ! ! ! ! High ceilings, large glass windows that let in plenty of sunlight, and a tall light tower installed at the information counter. And most of all, the square design with straight straight lines is too wonderful! I've used it several times, but this is the first time I've paid close attention to the architecture of the entire hall (I'm very sorry!). From the lighting, walls, windows and stairs, the space is reminiscent of the modernism that was popular in the 1950s to 1970s. By the way, this lobby is a public space like a hotel lobby, so anyone can enter for free. Chairs are also provided, so you can check the flyers of the performances and relax in the spacious air-conditioned space ◎!

On the wall on the left side facing the information counter, there is a work woven based on Shiko Munakata's print. Actually, this was originally used as a drop curtain for a small hall. It is worth seeing.

Let's move to the large hall where the red carpet is spread.

The lobby for this large hall also has a modernist feel in every aspect. The use of lighting is also effective and cool! After all, this is also configured with a design that emphasizes the corners as a whole. The entire area that would normally be a wall is used, and the lattice-shaped windows are set large, creating a space where you can enjoy the scenery of Yokohama that changes with the seasons.

Before entering the large hall, we were taken to a panorama view spot recommended by the hall staff. Arrived at the 3F lobby. This is the 6th floor of the entire building, so the view from this lobby is the best!

And here are the recommended panoramic view spots!

Did you know that there is a triangular space at the end of the lobby when you go in the direction of the sea? If you stand here, you can see the port of Yokohama beyond the row of ginkgo trees. You can see Osanbashi, Yamashita Park, and Honmoku on a clear day. At the time of the interview (unfortunately, the sky was cloudy...), it was still the hottest part of the summer, so there was a lot of greenery under my eyes. By all means, if you are going to visit the large hall of "Kanagawa Prefectural Hall", please go up to the 3rd floor lobby and take in the beautiful scenery of Yokohama spreading out below.

This is the state of the 2F lobby. Cube-shaped lighting with a classic design is also nice. Check out these interiors when you visit Kanagawa Prefectural Hall!

Let's enter the large hall from the 3rd floor lobby.

Anyway, it's big! This day was a non-performance day, so maintenance and inspections for the next performance were being carried out. A lifting device called "seri" was installed on the stage, and on this day, red color cones were placed so that the position of "seri" could be seen. It looks like a pretty big space. By the way, how do you think this "seri" part is used? The answer is...because there is an entrance just below the stage, it's used as an entrance when assembling the stage set. Various sets that adorn the stage of opera and ballet are carried to the stage by raising and lowering this "seri".

And once again, the hall staff told us about the best seat! Facing the stage in front, inside the front row of seats on both sides! For example, here is the 3rd floor seat (the part of the seat where the seat is lowered). Seat number "3F 1st row No. 6 (left side)" and "3F 1st row No. 53 (right side)".

As you can see from the back, do you see that the seats on both sides of the 3rd floor protrude considerably from the center seats on the 2nd floor? When you actually sit down, the stage is so close that you won't believe you're on the 3rd floor! Some customers dare to request this 3rd floor seat.

For 2F seats, the seat numbers are "2F 1st row No. 6 (left side)" and "2F 1st row No. 55 (right side)". I actually sat down to see how close it was, and I was surprised at how close the stage was! Moreover, since there is nothing to block in front of you, you can see the entire stage perfectly.

Looking at the seats from the stage as if I were a performer, it looks like this.

2,433 seats. The hall boasts an overwhelming size with a total capacity of 2,493 seats, including wheelchair seats and standing room seats. (When using the orchestra pit, the first floor seats will be reduced by 190 seats.)

Well, that's all for now. Next time, we'll be on stage in the large hall, and we'll also take a look behind the scenes! In addition, we also sneak into a small hall where pipe organ and chamber music concerts are held! looking forward to