The MOA Museum of Art (MOA美術館), established in 1982 in Atami City (熱海市), houses approximately 3,500 works, including three National Treasures (国宝), 67 Important Cultural Properties (重要文化財), and 46 Important Art Objects. Founded by Okada Mokichi (岡田茂吉, 1882–1955), an avid art collector and founder of the Church of World Messianity (世界救世教), the museum reflects his vision of promoting Japanese culture and spirituality.
Visitors ascend seven flights of escalators to reach the museum's entrance, passing through the Circular Hall (光の天井), featuring a massive kaleidoscope artwork by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda. The journey culminates at Moore Square, where iconic works such as Henry Moore’s "The King and Queen" sculpture frame views of Sagami Bay (相模湾). From the main lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping vistas of Hatsushima (初島) and Izu Ōshima (伊豆大島).
The galleries, redesigned in 2017 by the New Material Research Laboratory (新素材研究所) led by Hiroshi Sugimoto (杉本博司) and architect Tomoyuki Sakakida (坂木田智之), incorporate traditional materials like Yakushima cedar (屋久杉) and black plaster to enhance the atmosphere. The collection includes notable works such as "Red and White Plum Blossoms (紅白梅図屏風)" by Ogata Kōrin (尾形光琳), 17th-century tea-leaf jar with wisteria design (藤壺茶壺) by Nonomura Ninsei (野々村仁清), and the calligraphy album "Tekagami Kanboku-jō (手鑑観牧帖)".
Among the exhibits, the 1327 "Ragaraja (愛染明王)", an Important Cultural Property venerated in Esoteric Buddhist traditions, highlights the spiritual themes of the collection. The museum also features a reconstructed Golden Tea Room (黄金の茶室), originally designed for Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) in 1586, and a Noh theater (能楽堂) hosting regular performances.
Dining options include Hana-no-chaya (花の茶屋), offering traditional Japanese cuisine such as soba, tempura, and tonkatsu, and La Pâtisserie du musée, featuring desserts by patissier Toshihiko Yoroizuka (鎧塚俊彦).
The MOA Museum of Art (MOA美術館) stands as a beacon of cultural and spiritual enrichment, preserving Japan’s artistic heritage through its curated collection and serene environment. It is a testament to Okada Mokichi's (岡田茂吉) dedication to blending art, tradition, and modernity.
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