NiigataLeisure

Niigata Prefectural Museum of Modern Art (新潟県立近代美術館)

About this spot

This prefectural art museum in Senshu, Nagaoka City, has an appealingly calm setting surrounded by greenery. Its collection centres on modern art from Japan and abroad, and you may well encounter works by artists you have seen in textbooks. The galleries are quiet with high ceilings, and even children sense the air change simply by standing in front of a painting. There is no need to spend a long time here. Having each family member choose a favourite work and talking about the reasons afterwards is experience enough. Slipping in one calming interval before the afternoon water play gives the day a rhythm.

Tips

Closing days, opening hours and admission fees differ by exhibition, so check before you set out. Before going in, agree with your children that they will walk quietly in the galleries and not touch the works. Planning to have lunch before or after this stop makes the afternoon easier to schedule. Senshu Childcare Station 「Tekuteku」 is only a short drive away.