Meaning “art square” in Italian, this museum was created by renovating a closed elementary school and gymnasium.
The museum’s vast 30,000-square-meter grounds are home to more than 40 marble and bronze sculptures, including a large work weighing more than 10 tons created by Kan Yasuda, a world-renowned sculptor from the area.
Including the surrounding forests, the park is now a vast outdoor sculpture park of approximately 70,000 square meters, and is enjoyed by many people.
The first floor of the wooden school building is used as a kindergarten, the second floor as a gallery where sculptures are displayed, and the former gymnasium is used for exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
Lectures and dances are also held in the art space and on the outdoor stone stage made of marble.
In addition, the studio Studio Arte offers “Kokoro wo Carving Class,” in which students aim to give shape to themselves, and Café Arte offers a relaxing experience with aromatic coffee.
Bibai City was once one of the leading coal mining towns in Japan, and all coal mines were closed due to the energy revolution.
This museum, built on a former school site, is a rare opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and art together.
9:00-17:00
Cafe Arte 10:00-17:00
Tuesdays
Day after national holidays (except Sunday)
December 31 - January 3
Free of charge
15 min. by bus from Bibai Stn.