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Inujima Seirensho Art Museum: Industrial Heritage Reimagined

Explore contemporary art within the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a former copper refinery on the tranquil art island of Inujima.

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Located on the island of Inujima, this unique museum repurposes the ruins of a former copper refinery into a thought-provoking contemporary art space. The Inujima Seirensho Art Museum blends industrial heritage with modern art, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

A brief summary to Inujima Seirensho Art Museum

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee admission.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking both inside the museum and around the island.
  • Check the museum's opening days, as it is typically closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Allow ample time to explore not only the museum but also the Inujima Art House Project and the island's scenic surroundings.
  • Consider visiting during the Setouchi Triennale art festival to experience the island's vibrant art scene.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    The primary access to Inujima is via ferry from Hoden Port. To reach Hoden Port from Okayama Station, take the JR Ako Line to Saidaiji Station (approximately 20 minutes, 240 yen). Transfer to a bus bound for Higashi Hoden and get off at the Nishi Hoden bus stop (30 minutes, 510 yen). The ferry terminal is a short walk from the bus stop. Ferries to Inujima depart approximately every 1-3 hours and the journey takes about 10 minutes (400 yen one way). Check the ferry schedule in advance. Alternatively, direct buses operate between Okayama Station and Hoden Port on selected days (60 minutes, 760 yen one way). From Naoshima (Miyanoura Port), there are three ferries per day to Inujima when the attractions on Inujima are open. The one-way trip takes just under an hour and costs 2450 yen.

  • Walking

    Upon arrival at Inujima Ferry Terminal, the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum is approximately a 15-minute walk. Follow the signs from the ferry terminal towards the museum. The path is well-marked and takes you through the island's village. The Inujima Ticket Center is a short 200 meter walk from the refinery gates. Tickets to the art museum can be purchased here. The path to the museum is mostly flat and easy to navigate.

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Discover more about Inujima Seirensho Art Museum

The Inujima Seirensho Art Museum is a unique museum located on Inujima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. It stands as a testament to innovative repurposing, transforming the remnants of a former copper refinery into a captivating space for contemporary art. The refinery, built in 1909, ceased operations just ten years later due to a collapse in copper prices. Rather than demolishing the site, it was reimagined as an art museum, opening in 2008. The museum's design, a collaboration between artist Yukinori Yanagi and architect Hiroshi Sambuichi, emphasizes environmental consciousness. Sambuichi's architecture incorporates natural energy sources like solar and geothermal power, minimizing the building's environmental impact. The existing smokestacks and karami bricks (bricks made from copper slag) were integrated into the design, preserving the site's industrial history. Yanagi's artwork, inspired by the writings of Yukio Mishima, explores themes of modernization and societal critique. Visitors can explore the museum's underground galleries, wander through mirrored tunnels, and contemplate installations that incorporate fragments of Mishima's former residence. The Inujima Seirensho Art Museum is not just an art space; it's a reflection on Japan's industrial past and its relationship with nature and modernity. The museum also has its own innovative water purification system that utilizes the power of plants. In addition to the museum, visitors can explore the Inujima Art House Project, scattered throughout the island's village.

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