From February 9 to April 24, 2026, the Ohara Museum of Art was closed for a long period of 75 days for renovations and has now reopened.
The closure was for environmental improvements in the main building, and this was the longest maintenance period to date, during which various equipment upgrades had been gradually made. We will introduce how the interior has changed due to this renovation, including visible and tactile changes.
Why was renovation necessary?
The Ohara Museum of Art, which opened in 1930 as Japan's first private museum dedicated to Western art and modern art, has been exhibiting Western art.
Over nearly 100 years of history, the deterioration of facilities has progressed, necessitating construction for improving the exhibition environment and strengthening the preservation of artworks.
Renovation work has been carried out several times in the past, but this time it was the longest construction period in recent years, with renovations to the main building's air conditioning and electrical systems taking place over 75 days from February 9 to April 24, 2026, when temperature changes are minimal.
What has changed?
The recent equipment renovations mainly included the following works.
- Air conditioning equipment updates
- Atrium ceiling equipment renovation
- LED lighting in exhibition rooms
Air conditioning equipment updates
The air conditioning system, which greatly affects the preservation of artworks, underwent updates again this time, following renovations in 2020, and the main building's air conditioning system has been completely updated.
Atrium ceiling equipment renovation
The atrium leading from the exhibition rooms on the first floor to the second floor was added in 1991.
Please pay attention to the ceiling above. Previously, blinds were installed.
During the renovation, the blinds were replaced with fabric sunshades, which now block sunlight more effectively than before.
In recent years, the summer sun has been strong, affecting the interior, but the simultaneous air conditioning renovations have created a comfortable space.
LED lighting in exhibition rooms
Rooms 1, 2, and 7 of the main building had already been updated to LED, but the fluorescent lights used in the ceiling lighting of rooms 3 to 6 have been replaced with LED lights that can adjust brightness and color.
Spotlights had already been changed to LED lights.
It is now possible to change the brightness and color to match the exhibited works, and even comparing rooms 3 and 4, the differences in lighting adjustments can be seen.
As the production and sale of fluorescent lights will end by the end of 2027, the transition to LED in the back office was also carried out.
Exhibition content since reopening
Along with the reopening, new special exhibitions have been held.
| Exhibition Content | Location | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Exhibition OHARA Collection Highlights - From the 19th Century to the Present | Main Building Rooms 1, 2, 4 | Until the end of December 2026 |
| Re-exhibition of El Greco's "Annunciation" after restoration | Main Building Room 3 | |
| Special Exhibition "Kurashiki Ohara Family and Chinese Painting" | Main Building Rooms 5, 6, 7 | Until June 7, 2026 |
Interview with Ayaka Fujita, Director of the Ohara Art Foundation
We spoke with Ayaka Fujita, Director of the Ohara Art Foundation, about the background of the recent renovation work and the reasons for the longest closure period in recent years.
Why was the renovation work carried out?
Fujita (no honorifics)
The Ohara Museum of Art is an old museum, approaching 100 years, so some of the original equipment remains.
Among the renovated equipment, the air conditioning is a direct issue related to the artworks. It would be too late to address it after it breaks down, so we carried out the work from February to April when temperature changes are minimal.
Additionally, fluorescent lights will cease production by the end of 2027, so we need to gradually replace them. This time, all fluorescent lights in the main building were converted to LED, but we plan to gradually carry out renovations in the Crafts and Oriental Art Museum, where fluorescent lights are still in use.
Why did you undertake such extensive renovations that required a long closure?
Fujita
I believe everyone has felt it, but the changes in the environment have been drastic recently, and by June, the climate has already become like midsummer.
Before the temperature changes become significant, it is necessary to create an environment where temperature and humidity can be properly managed, and for that reason, we decided to update the air conditioning to the latest systems.
This renovation was essential for the preservation of the artworks, which is why we opted for a long closure, but the necessary work for the main building has now been completed.
It must be exciting to reopen after such a long closure?
Fujita
Yes, indeed.
We have prepared special exhibitions and collection exhibitions that will start with the reopening, and our curators have put a lot of effort into it. I hope everyone enjoys viewing the artworks in the comfortable space of the Ohara Museum of Art.
Conclusion
The main building of the Ohara Museum of Art underwent renovations of air conditioning and electrical systems over the longest period of 75 days in recent years.
This was done to preserve the valuable collection and provide a gentle environment for both the exhibited works and visitors, allowing for longer enjoyment.
Previously seen works may show different expressions under the new lighting.
Please visit the Ohara Museum of Art, which has been arranged into a pleasant space.
Articles about the Ohara Museum of Art
Data of the Ohara Museum of Art
| Name | Ohara Museum of Art |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0005 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening Hours | 【December to February】 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last admission: 2:30 PM) 【March to November】 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission: 4:30 PM) |
| Closed Days | Monday Open if it coincides with a public holiday or substitute holiday Winter closure and temporary closures may occur |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | 【General】 Adults: 2,000 yen High school, junior high, and elementary school students (under 18 years old): 500 yen |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservations | Available No reservation required for individuals |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets, barrier-free toilets |
| Childcare | Nursing room, diaper changing table, stroller rental The nursing room is located in the Craft Museum Diaper changing tables are available on the 2nd floor of the main building and in the Craft Museum |
| Barrier-Free | Wheelchair rental, ramps, barrier-free toilets, elevators |
| Website | Official Website of the Ohara Museum of Art |
