長野県信濃美術館・東山魁夷館

Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum, located in Joyama Park adjacent to Zenkoji Temple, was founded by the concerted efforts of a local news corporation and the prefectural government as driving forces in October of 1966, in response to the desire of the citizens for museum in Nagano. When first established, it was a foundation, but in 1969 it became a prefectural institution. This art museum exhibits a collection that showcases the works of local artists and landscape paintings depicting the beautiful scenery of Shinshu. Thematic exhibitions are based on the four key elements of “recognizing and promoting local culture,” “introducing a wide spectrum of art,” “art in life,” and “art that nurtures appreciation.” Furthermore, exhibitions offer opportunities for art groups and related organizations to present their work.

The famous Japanese master HIGASHIYAMA Kaii (1908-1999) has generously donated more than 950 of his works (painting, studies, sketches, etc.) and several hundreds related books to Nagano Prefecture. To house and display these works the Higashiyama Kaii Gallery was built next to the Shinano Art Museum, and it opened in April of 1990.
The gallery holds paintings such as "Vibrant Greens", "Forest with a White Horse" and "Evening Quiet", and also series of sketches such as "Landscape of Northern Europe", "Four Seasons of Kyoto", "Landscape with a White Horse" and "Spring and Autumn of Yamato".
There are also sketches and studies for the Nitten Exhibition and screen paintings for the Toshodaiji Temple which show his inspiration and the process of paintings. The exhibition is changed once every two months by theme, and you can enjoy the art of Master Higashiyama who says "Landscape is a mirror of one's soul."