A cultural heritage of red brick exuding the essence of the Meiji era
The Akita Municipal Akarenga-kan Museum is housed in the former main building of the Akita Bank’s head office, which was constructed in 1912 (Meiji 45). The building features a Renaissance-style exterior and a Baroque-style interior, making it of high historical value. It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The Akarenga-kan Museum consists of three buildings: the Akarenga Hall, the New Hall, and the Storage Hall. The Akarenga Hall offers extensive exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Akita City, with the old banking hall’s counter and lobby preserved to retain their original atmosphere. Additionally, on the second floor of the New Hall, special exhibitions on the history, folklore, and arts and crafts of Akita are held regularly, providing visitors with new discoveries on each visit.
The Akarenga-kan Museum also houses exhibits of Akita’s traditional crafts, a memorial hall for printmaker Tokuyuki Katsuhira, and a memorial room for Shiro Sekiya, a Living National Treasure in metal hammering. These exhibits provide a deep insight into Akita’s rich arts and culture, offering visitors a valuable educational experience.
