Story Explore Grand Toit, a Stunning Japanese Museum and Theatre
Exhibits by Local and International Artists By JNTO on 19 October 2022

The Shimane Arts Center is a prominent facility in the Iwami region of Japan that opened in 2005, functioning both as a theatre and an art museum. It is also known by its nickname, Grand Toit, which means large roof in French. Fun fact: It was chosen out of over 16,000 names in a competition. 

The facility was designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, whose works include the Toba Sea-Folk Museum in Mie Prefecture and the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art & Design in Toyama Prefecture. It measures more than 19,000 square metres in floor area and utilises approximately 280,000 special red tiles from the region called Sekisyu-kawara for its roof and the complex’s outer walls.

Sekisyu-kawara: A short history

Sekisyu-kawara, the tiles used to cover the Grand Toit, are tiles that inherit the Iwami region’s culture and traditions. It’s recognisable by its unique red hues and its gleam as seen on roofs of houses in Shimane. 

In the case of the Grand Toit, the appearance of the tiles changes with the light, and the colours and textures of the tiles change during the day － at some moments, the buildings appear red and orange, sometimes even gold and green. The Sekisyu-kawara used for the outside walls and roof were specially created for the Grand Toit.

Sekisyu-kawara has made quite a name for itself in Japan. Around 150 years ago, these tiles were transported as far north as Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost region, and their high durability meant that they still function well. The tiles owe their characteristics to the clay found in the region where it is manufactured.

Inside the Grand Toit: The Iwami Art Museum

One of the two main components of the Grand Toit is the Iwami Art Museum. The museum’s permanent collection includes art with a connection to the Iwami region and an impressive fashion collection that includes fashion magazines, fashion photographs, contemporary art related to fashion, and vintage dresses from Japanese and international designers. There are also collections of paintings from artists with connections to the literary master Ogai Mori.

The museum has also hosted a variety of exhibitions over the years, including fashion, modern art, and regional art pieces.

Inside the Grand Toit: The Iwami Arts Theater

The Iwami Arts Theater consists of mainly a Large Hall and Small Hall. The Large Hall sits 1500 people, with seating arranged in an arc for superb viewing angles of the various performances held here. The Small Hall, on the other hand, sits 400 people and with its state-of-the-art acoustics, is primarily used for lectures, chamber music and live theatre. The Iwami Arts Theater lends itself to the development of the artistic scene in the region, for artists who need a place to showcase their work.

The objectives of Grand Toit are to shine the light on the art and culture of the Iwami region and to achieve new creativity in the community. Grand Toit, with the grandeur of its architecture and insightful exhibitions, is definitely a noteworthy destination.