Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum, Imabari City, Sculpture garden and art museum in Imabari City, Japan.
The Ken Iwata Mother and Child Museum is an art collection featuring 44 sculptures on mother and child themes distributed across interior galleries and outdoor spaces. The works are created in varying artistic styles and occupy multiple areas throughout the site.
The museum opened in 2011 and occupies a converted school building that previously housed an elementary school. This transformation created a new cultural space within the community.
The sculptures explore the bond between mothers and children through different artistic expressions rooted in Japanese art traditions. Visitors can view these works both indoors and outdoors, gaining insight into how this theme resonates throughout the local cultural perspective.
The site is open daily and features pathways through galleries and outdoor areas to explore. Visitors should wear suitable shoes for uneven surfaces, as some outdoor sculptures are positioned at different heights.
The building was designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito and integrates semi-outdoor spaces into its design. Musical melodies play throughout the day in these areas, adding an unexpected sensory element to the visit.
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