A beautiful exterior with the motif of castle walls
The pure white exterior which seems to wrap around the building that has 4 aboveground floors and one underground floor envisions the gusuku of the Ryukyu dynasty and stone walls. Under the main theme of “Living in the sea and on the island”, Okinawan history and culture are provided at the museum while at the art museum, there are displays centering upon artistic works related to Okinawa so that the 2 facilities can be enjoyed under 1 roof. With an outdoor display space, a shop, a café and a workshop room, even children can enjoy their time. Another attractive feature is being able to leisurely tour around the facility with the support of volunteers who know the museums very well.
The museum relaying the history and culture of Okinawa
The displays at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum consist of the permanent displays open all year round and special & planned exhibitions. There are many interesting exhibits including the huge widescreen situated in the circular hall at the front of the museum providing video of the origins of Okinawa, and fossilized human bones of the Minatogawa people who were the primitive inhabitants of Okinawa 20,000 years ago. It is only this museum which has the actual Bridge of Nations Bell which used to be at Shuri Castle.
An art museum with a rich display of art related to Okinawa
The modern construction of the art museum contrasts with the historical exterior. Separated into the Collection Gallery and Planned Exhibition Gallery, at the former you can view art works by artists from Japan and abroad related to Okinawa, of course including Okinawan artists; the works are changed 3-4 times a year. In the past, the Planned Exhibition Gallery has shown “Disney – 90 Years of Dreams and Magic” and the “Ryukyu Art Exhibition” with planned exhibitions ranging from famous shows to artistic exhibitions related to Okinawa being one of the popular features at the facility.