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National Crafts Museum

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > National Crafts Museum

Japan's only national art museum dedicated to crafts and design

Ishikawa prefecture

National Crafts Museum, relocated from Tokyo to Kanazawa in October 2020, is Japan's only national museum dedicated to crafts and design. The museum has one of the most prominent collections nationwide, with over 4,000 works including ceramics, glass, and lacquerware.
Originally built in the Meiji period (1868-1912), the museum’s exterior recreates the color at the time of construction, which was discovered through research during the renovation process.

Inside, visitors can see the relocated workplace of Ishikawa-born lacquer craftsman Gonroku Matsuda, a Living National Treasure. This relocation was made possible through the efforts of highly skilled craftsmen with a deep understanding of traditional architecture. Kanazawa and Ishikawa's culture of preserving historical architecture and passing on traditional building skills also contributed to the success of this relocation. In addition, the museum holds collections and special exhibitions based on specific themes to introduce a wide range of fascinating aspects of crafts and design.

Ⓒ Ishikawa Prefectural Tourism League | The Old Army Generals Club (Second Floor Multipurpose Room)

For the benefit of those new to Japanese crafts, easy-to-understand explanations of techniques and terminology are provided, as well as an interactive area where visitors can see 3D images of works.

The area surrounding the National Crafts Museum has developed as a political, educational, and cultural center, and is lined with many other museums and art galleries. Come take a stroll around to explore all that it has to offer.