Art museum tripping in Fukuoka

Traveling with a kid can potentially get in the way of having fun, especially when it’s as hot as it was in Fukuoka, Japan. For parents like us – eager to escape the intense summer heat, and get a chance to rest and stretch our aching legs and backs for a bit – I find that museums are the way to go.It may seem like the worst advice, but if you are traveling with a toddler that still likes to take naps, and you have another person with you that you can take turns with in looking after the kid, visiting a museum in Japan is a great way to learn more about the country and its culture, while having a bit of quiet time or alone time.

I’ve always believed in exposing my kid to different cultures and different expressions of beauty and art. I want her to see all kinds of things, things she may like a lot or not, and make it a point of conversation. If she sees other kids behaving well and takes note of it – as the kids do here – I consider it a bonus!

Quiet and stillness at the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art

We were able to visit two museums in August – the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art and the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

The Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art was an unplanned visit, admittedly. We needed to retreat somewhere cool and quiet for our tired and sleepy baby. Cool and quiet, it definitely was…Also, this visit to Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art marks my first encounter with Japanese art that isn’t super famous or contemporary like Takashi Murakami or Yayoi Kusama. While there’s obviously nothing wrong with them, I’m a big fan in fact, some people may find the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art a little stiff and serious.

Art from across the region at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

From an intro to Japanese visual art to a broadening of perspectives through exposure to art from all across Asia. All thanks to the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum capitalizes on being a gateway to the region since ancient times by stepping up as the premier establishment for modern and contemporary Asian art. It is the only museum of its kind with a singular focus on the region, actively collecting and exhibiting representative pieces for everyone’s enjoyment.

I for one, don’t get to see art work from other Asian countries like Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan or Mongolia very often, so to see samples from these countries and more was an enriching experience. Of course there were some works from Filipino artists as well, and seeing them here in Japan just gave me a surge of pride.I unfortunately was not able to get the details for the painting up top, but it’s the clear favorite from my husband and I. Loved the awkward/tough expression on the young girl and the stark contrast between her all-red outfit and the concrete dragon behind her. It’s the one thing we would’ve loved to take home.

Speaking of things to take home, the souvenirs available is also from across the region.

A museum also for kids

Visitors will certainly be treated to fine art, but what sets apart Fukuoka Asian Art Museum from others is its accessibility to visitors of all ages. The museum is incredibly child friendly. The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum also have a Kids’ Corner and reading lounge. They have special activities and exhibitions available to kids from time to time. When we visited, they had an activity where kids can paint and decorate a cardboard house.