Okinawa Prefectural Museum Art Museum Guide History Collection Exhibits

Discovering the Rich Heritage of Okinawa: A Guide to the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

Located in the heart of Naha, the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum is a unique cultural institution that combines a natural history, historical, and cultural museum with an art museum, all under one roof. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the museum's extensive collections and exhibits, offering a deep dive into the history, culture, and natural beauty of Okinawa.

Architecture and Design

The museum's building is designed in the image of a traditional Okinawan castle, known as a gusuku. This architectural choice reflects the rich historical and cultural heritage of Okinawa, setting the tone for the diverse exhibits within. The building features a striking white facade that extends four stories above ground and one story below, evoking the grandeur of the Ryukyu dynasty.

Museum Layout and Exhibits

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum is divided into two main sections: the Blue Wing, which houses the natural history, historical, and cultural exhibits, and the Red Wing, which is dedicated to the Art Museum.

Natural History, Historical, and Cultural Exhibits

The Blue Wing is home to a wide range of exhibits that cover Okinawa's natural history, archaeology, arts and crafts, anthropology, and history. These exhibits are categorized into five main areas:

• Natural History: This section includes large-scale dioramas representing various ecosystems such as mangroves, the forests of Yanbaru, and other unique island environments. It also features exhibits on Okinawa's famous human fossil, the Minatogawa Man.
• Archaeology: Here, visitors can explore the lives of ancient Okinawans through artifacts excavated from archaeological sites across the prefecture. The exhibits highlight regional characteristics and cultural evolution.
• Arts and Crafts: This area showcases traditional Okinawan arts and crafts, providing insights into the local culture and craftsmanship.
• Anthropology: Exhibits in this section delve into the social and cultural aspects of Okinawan life, offering a comprehensive view of the island's folklife.
• Outdoor Exhibition: An outdoor area where visitors can experience Okinawan culture in a more interactive and immersive environment.

Art Museum

The Red Wing of the museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, with a focus on works by Okinawan artists. The Art Museum features a variety of media, including oil and watercolor paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and videos. It also includes works by foreign artists related to Okinawa, making it a diverse and engaging space for art enthusiasts.

Interactive and Hands-On Experiences

One of the unique features of the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum is the Touch and Experience (Hands-On) Room. Here, visitors can engage in interactive learning experiences through 37 different "experience kits." These kits allow visitors to learn about Okinawa's natural world, history, and culture in a fun and hands-on manner. Activities include discovering animal field signs, wearing traditional Okinawan bashofu cloth kimonos, and playing the traditional sanshin instrument.

Collections and Resources

The museum houses an impressive collection of approximately 94,000 objects in the natural history, historical, and cultural museum, and 3,700 pieces of artwork in the Art Museum. The Media Center, located near the front information desk, offers a wealth of resources, including catalogs of past exhibitions, research bulletins, databases of the museum collections, and other Okinawa-related books and videos. This makes it an invaluable resource for both casual visitors and researchers.

Special Exhibitions and Events

The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions that come with separate admission fees. These exhibitions often highlight specific aspects of Okinawan culture and history, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the region. Additionally, the museum holds workshops and events, such as the weekend workshops in the Touch and Experience Room, where children and their parents can build traditional handmade Okinawan toys.

Practical Information

• Address: 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha, Okinawa.
• Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Friday and Saturday). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.
• Admission Fees: Different fees apply for the natural history museum and the Art Museum, with discounts for students, children, and seniors.
• Access: The museum is accessible via the Yui Rail from Naha Airport, with a 10-minute walk from Omoromachi Station. Bus lines #3, #7, and #10 also stop at the Kenritsu Hakubutsukan-Mae bus stop.

Facilities and Accessibility

The museum offers various facilities to enhance the visitor experience, including a shop, a café, and a room for special exhibitions. The building is barrier-free, with elevators, wheelchair parking, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and slopes to ensure accessibility for all visitors.