This museum of art,located in the quiet suburbs of Nagano City on the Zenkoji Plain and surrounded by mountains in northern Nagano Prefecture, was opened in March 1968.The museum is founded on the artworks collected by Yoshito Kitano,my father,and me,Tsuguto Kitano,over many years.

　Maintaining the view that artistic items are cultural assets,the Kitano family has wanted to contribute to the improvement of local culture in Nagano Prefecture by building an art museum and displaying the art objects it has collected,for the enjoyment of the local people.Accordingly,we sought advice from Mr.Michiaki Kawakita about the establishment of this museum of art and ways of displaying the works of art.

　There are 600 separate art works held at this museum of art,consisting of Japanese paintings, European paintigs, sculptures, calligraphic works,and craftwork objects. Among the Japanese and European paintings in particular,there are many rate items that are significant in the history of modern paintings. In addition, this museum features art created by overseas masters, including famous sculptors. By changing displayed items from season to season, we arrange for your appreciation modern Japanese works from the Meiji to Showa periods,as well as great paintings and sculptures from Western artists.

　Considering surrounding mountainous enviroment,sandstones are used for the exterior of Kitano Museum of Art and this was designed by deceased Mr. Junzo Yoshimura who won the Cultural Order Award and performed various famous works such as the basic design of the New Palace in the Imperial Palace.

　When you go up the gentle slope leading to the entrance,You will view a dry landscape garden and a Japanese marine-scenery garden,designed by Mr. Mirei Shigemori,a famous garden artist. There tranquil, serene gardens can be seen from various spots within the museum building.

　It is our strong wish to collect new art objects from Japan and overseas,to hold unique art displays, and to seek the further improvement of our collections,　thereby contributing to the promotion of arts and culture.