[Morohashi Museum of Modern Art] Recognized for its architectural aesthetics and regional contribution, registered in the 'JIA 25-Year Architectural Award.' <Currently closed for renovation until spring 2027>

The Morohashi Museum of Modern Art has been registered in the 'JIA 25-Year Architectural Award.'

Background and Evaluation of Registration

The 'JIA 25-Year Architectural Award' recognizes and honors buildings that have demonstrated architectural value, maintained aesthetic beauty, and contributed to the local community for over 25 years.

The museum was designed by the Shimizu Kimio Laboratory (First-class Architect Office) in Koriyama City. Since its opening in June 1999, the building, designed to resemble a medieval stable harmonized with the nature of Mount Bandai, has welcomed over 1.37 million visitors and become a cherished landmark in the region. This registration was earned through the consistent, periodic, and planned maintenance that has preserved the building's beauty and existence value.

The registration certificate includes the message, 'We hope this building continues to be loved by the local people, lasts for a long time as a regional pride, and is utilized.' This provided an opportunity to reaffirm the museum's history and its future role.

Renovation Work to Connect Architectural Value to the Next Generation

In anticipation of the museum's role in a diversifying society and to ensure the architecture lives on for the future, we are currently undergoing renovation work (scheduled to be closed until around April 2027).

To realize the registration reason, 'perpetuation and maintenance of architectural value,' we are updating core equipment while preserving the basic structure. Key upgrades include refreshing exhibition room air conditioning and converting display lighting to LED to improve artwork preservation and convenience.

Building on our previous careful exterior maintenance, this equipment renovation aims to make the museum more sustainable and accessible, ensuring it can be passed on to the next generation.

- Expected completion of renovation: December 2026 - Expected reopening: Around April 2027

Comment from the Award-winning Project Representative

[Morohashi Museum of Modern Art / Equipment Management Chief, General Affairs Department, Suguru Tanagi]

I am deeply honored that the Morohashi Museum of Modern Art has been registered in the 'JIA 25-Year Architectural Award.' The high praise received over the years since our opening is thanks to the support of many involved in construction and operation, starting with the Shimizu Kimio Laboratory, which carefully embodied the museum's philosophy into the building. I am truly grateful.

Currently, we are moving forward with efforts to further enhance our facility environment and exhibition space in preparation for the 2027 reopening. While inheriting the charm of this space where nature, architecture, and art resonate, we aim to create new value and become a museum loved by many for years to come.