Fukuoka City Museum of Literature, Literary museum in Sumiyoshi, Japan.
The Fukuoka City Museum of Literature occupies a red brick building with a copper-plated roof, small towers, and distinctive dormer windows. The structure houses exhibitions about the region's literary history across its interior spaces.
The building was completed in 1909 by architects Kingo Tatsuno and Yasu Kataoka and initially served as a regional office for the Nippon Life Insurance Company. The Japanese government designated it a Precious Cultural Asset in 1969.
The museum collects works from writers connected to Fukuoka Prefecture, displaying their manuscripts, letters, and published works. Visitors can explore how these authors shaped the region's literary landscape.
The museum sits seven minutes' walk from Tenjin subway station and is easily accessible. Entry to the permanent exhibitions is free, and visitors should check opening hours before visiting.
The building was originally constructed as an insurance office before being repurposed as a literary museum. This transformation shows how historical structures can take on new cultural roles.
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