How Art Across the Sea Inspires Us: A Guide to the Hokkaido Museum of Art
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If you're planning to visit an art museum abroad...
You're definitely thirsty for inspiration.
Of course, times have changed.
Now, you can encounter a variety of international artists in Korea.
However, the way Koreans perceive world art is different from how each country perceives it.
There are artistic spaces here for you.
I hope you'll find plenty of inspiration and expand your world!
Accessibility: 20 minutes by train or 30 minutes on foot from downtown Sapporo. The nearest station is Nishijuhatchome, a 7-minute walk away.
1) Hokkaido Museum of Art
Address: 17 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001
This large, two-story museum, operated by Hokkaido Prefecture, features both regular and special exhibitions. Tickets for the regular exhibition, general exhibition + Migishi Kotaro combo tickets, and special exhibition tickets are available. The second floor houses the permanent exhibition, featuring exhibitions on glasswork and microorganisms.
As of July 29th, the current exhibitions are: General Exhibition: "1945-2025: What Does Art Remember?" and Special Exhibition: "The Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion, and the Shokokuji Temple." The General Exhibition focuses on post-war Japanese life and the changing perceptions of Japanese people, while the Special Exhibition focuses on traditional Japanese art.
We only visited the General Exhibition. While the subject matter could be sensitive for Koreans, we experienced no reactions. Rather, I was able to sense how much humanity's inherent values and pervasive mistakes remained unchanged even in the midst of war and social turmoil. Even in war and amidst the pandemic, humans remained human. And they will continue to be so…
2) Hokkaido Governor's Official Residence
Address: 16 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001
This historic building once served as the governor's official residence. Inside, visitors can explore modern and contemporary architecture, and a friendly guide provides explanations. The park outside the residence is also spacious and beautiful, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. It's a perfect place to experience the times.
3) Migishi Kotaro Art Museum
Address: 15 Chome 1st Floor, Kita 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0002
This museum was built to commemorate the artist Migishi Kotaro. You can trace the life and artwork of Kotaro Migishi, and the story of how this building came to be built. How does love affect a man? How do times and realities influence art? How does love affect a woman? Life is a drama, and we can easily become immersed in someone else's drama. You, too, are writing your own.
Hokkaido, the snowy country, is a place where you can savor the beauty of art.
Even in Sapporo, summers are getting hotter these days, but contemplating indoors is an art in itself, a privilege.