Museum • Yasuoka, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-1801, Japan
In Taifu Village, a small village nestled in the rich natural surroundings of Nagano Prefecture, there was an old wooden schoolhouse that was once a place of learning for children. However, with the passage of time, this building, which had closed down, was reborn as an art museum and is now a source of pride for the local community.
The old schoolhouse art museum is a facility utilizing a schoolhouse built in the Meiji era. The brick-built schoolhouse was not only a place of education at the time, but also a valuable architectural structure. After being closed down and carefully preserved by local residents over time, this aging schoolhouse was given a new mission in 2010.
Inside the art museum, a variety of genres of artwork are displayed. The paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and photographs in the museum create a compelling contrast of diverse expressions. Of particular note are the works of local artists. The souls of artists nurtured by the land of Nagano seem to be condensed in this place.
The very appearance of the old schoolhouse itself can be considered a kind of artwork. The playground equipment remaining in the schoolyard evokes memories of the lively voices of children in the past. The beautiful brick exterior and the historical atmosphere it embodies provide a special experience for appreciating the artworks.
The old schoolhouse art museum is a treasure of the local community. Through works of art, the past and present intersect, connecting the local and the world in this wondrous place. Why not touch the charm of this art museum along with the feelings for art.