Gifu Prefectural Museum is a prefectural museum located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, within the grounds of Gifu Prefectural Hyakunen Park. The museum showcases the region’s natural environment, history, and culture through collections spanning both the natural sciences and the humanities.
The phrase “Hizan Nōsui” refers to the mountains of Hida and the waters of Mino, symbolizing the diverse landscapes that have shaped life in Gifu Prefecture. Through its exhibitions, the museum introduces visitors to the natural features, history, and cultural traditions that have developed in this distinctive environment.
The museum offers a wide range of educational and interactive programs, including natural history and cultural exhibitions, the My Museum Gallery featuring displays by local residents, special events, hands-on activities, and guided exhibition explanations. These programs make the museum enjoyable for both children and adults.
The museum consists of two buildings: the Main Building and the My Museum Building. The third floors of the two buildings are connected by a covered passageway.
These galleries introduce the geological formation of Gifu Prefecture and its present-day natural environment. Exhibits also explore the relationship between nature and human life.
These galleries present the history and culture of Gifu Prefecture, from ancient times to the modern era.
These spaces host exhibitions devoted to specific themes, including temporary displays that change over time.
The library and reference room houses books and research materials related to Gifu Prefecture.
Minna no Heya, meaning “Everyone’s Room,” is a communal space where visitors can relax and interact freely.
This gallery provides local residents with a space to exhibit their personal collections, creative works, and other items of interest.
Kenpaku Hall is used for lectures, public events, and other programs organized by the museum.
This walking trail complements the museum’s indoor exhibitions by allowing visitors to observe seasonal changes in the natural environment. The trail includes areas of azaleas, a botanical garden, a grove of witch hazel trees, and a scenic observation point.
This traditional residence from the former Tokuyama Village was relocated and reconstructed on the museum grounds. The wooden house has a single-story structure with part of the building extending to a second floor, and features a thatched roof.
The house serves as a place to learn about and preserve the traditional way of life in Tokuyama Village for future generations. In 2018, the building was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan under the name Former Miyagawa Family Residence Main Building.
The Origins of Nature
This section explores the geological history of Gifu Prefecture, presenting information about its rocks, landforms, and geological development from the Precambrian era through the Cenozoic era.
Nature Today
This exhibition introduces Gifu’s present-day natural environment, highlighting its identity as a region of mountains and abundant water. The displays convey the appeal of the landscapes traditionally associated with Hida and Mino.
Nature and People
This section examines the relationship between people and the natural environment, including the mountains and rivers that have influenced life in Gifu Prefecture.
Gifu Prefecture from Ancient Times to the Present
These exhibits trace the region’s history and cultural development from the Stone Age to modern times, offering insight into the lives and traditions of the people who have lived here.
Collection of Japanese Swords
This section displays valuable Japanese swords, including swords confiscated and collected under postwar disarmament measures, commonly known as Akabane swords.
Construction of the Main Building began in 1973 and was completed in 1975. The three-story building later became connected to the My Museum Building when the latter was completed in 1995, creating a unified entrance arrangement.
Construction of the My Museum Building began in 1994 and was completed in 1995. This four-story building expanded the museum’s storage capacity and exhibition space.
The interior of the Former Tokuyama Village House was closed to the public for an extended period because of deterioration. Restoration and improvement work began in 2019, with reopening to visitors planned for 2024.
Gifu Prefectural Museum is a comprehensive museum where visitors can explore both the natural environment and cultural heritage of Gifu Prefecture. Its collections cover geological history, local ecosystems, regional history, traditional culture, and Japanese swords.
With its varied exhibitions, hands-on learning opportunities, and outdoor nature trail, the museum offers an engaging experience for families, students, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in discovering the landscapes and traditions of central Japan.