What is Grand Toit?

The Shimane Arts Center is a nationally prominent facility that was born in response to impassioned requests of the Shimane citizens to build an establishment in the Iwami Region that serves as both a museum of art and a theater.

Its nickname "Grand Toit", in its original French means "large roof". On that large roof and walls of the center have been used the Sekishu tiles that inherit the traditions and culture of the Iwami area. The characteristic red hue of these tiles shines on the stores and houses that line the street, and it is certain that they are a symbol of this area's development.

As a shrine for the prefecture's arts and culture, the center endeavors to act as a place for the creation of new culture while cherishing the history and natural spirit of the region. At the same time, this center offers the opportunity for everyone to appreciate the excellent art and culture of Japan and the world.

Shimane Arts Center

Construction Outline

The courtyard is surrounded by the Large Hall, the Small Hall and the Art Museum. The tile (Sekishu-gawara) used for the roof and outside walls were specially created for Shimane Arts Center by the local tile industry.

[Site Area] 36,564.16m² 
[Building Area] 14,068.15m² 
[Total Floor Area] 19,252.45m² 
[Scale] One basement and Two stories 
[Structure] Reinforced concrete, Precast concrete, Steel frame
[Design] Naito Archtect & Associates

Activity Objectives

1. The museum holds many special exhibitions that cover a wide range of fields. In addition, this venue provides thematic, high quality exhibits from its permanent collection.
2. The museum collects a wide range of outstanding works of art from Japan and Overseas, regardless of region, theme, or age.
3. The museum carries out research investigation in the areas of art work collection, preservation, exhibition, as well as the promotion of art education.
4. The museum provides activities that promote education, such as lectures and workshops that deepen people's understandings about art.

Collection from Iwami Art Museum

Collection Policy: To collect a wide range of outstanding works of art from Japan and abroad, regardless of region, field or age, from antiques to contemporary art, including painting, crafts, sculpture, photography, clothes, etc. In order to give the museum a distinctive character, it was decided to focus on the following categories:

1. Items Connected with Mori Ogai
2. Fashion
3. Art from around Iwami

Click on the banner below for basic information on the English version of the special exhibition.

Click on the banner below for Explainer video on the English version of the special exhibition.

Activity Objectives

1. The Theater holds events for the appreciation and creation of art and culture.
2. The Theater carries out autonomous, local community-centered projects that create an opportunity to come in contact with superior art and culture.
3. The Theater sponsors opportunities for studying the performing arts.

Art Museum Collection Exhibition

• General Admission:300yen (240yen)
• University Student: 200yen (160yen)
• High School Student and below: Free of charge

Special Exhibition

• General Admission: 1000yen (800yen)
• University Student: 600yen (450yen)
• High School Student and below: 300yen (250yen)
• The price in (brackets) are for discounted group entry - 20 or more people.

• For visitors to both the art museum collection and special collection exhibitions, a 50% discount off the entry to the museum's collection exhibition will be given.
• Junior high school and senior high school students (and those who accompany them) who come to the art museum for educational purposes as part of a school program will receive free entry. (Please contact the staff at the art museum before hand).
• Support workers of disabled people, or people with mental disorders will receive free entry to the art museum.

Iwami Art Theater is offering the use of its facilities to artists who wish to undertake various activities and seek avenues of their artistic expression at the Theater. Applications to use the facilities are accepted according to your schedules and our terms of service.

Large Hall Main Stage and Auditorium

The largest stage in Shimane with state of the art acoustics is suitable for all musicals, concerts, and theatre arts etc. The capacity of the main stage is 1500 with 993 on the first floor and 503 on the second floor. There are also four wheelchair spaces. The seating is arranged in a gradual circular arc providing superb and comfortable viewing of the main stage.

Rehearsal Space and Dressing Rooms

In addition to 12 dressing rooms, there are two spaces (studio 1 and 2) available for rehearsals which can also be used for small concerts.

Small Hall Stage, Auditorium, Foyer

With state of the art acoustics, this stage is suitable for live theatre, chamber music, and lectures. The seating capacity is 400 people and a close viewing distance from the stage creates an easily accessible environment. In addition to this, digital surround sound is supported for recent movies.

Multi-Purpose Gallery

This gallery can be used for the display of articles or exhibits.

Please contact Shimane Art Center for more information.

To all visitors
A request to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Please refrain from entering the facility if any of the following applies to you:

■ You have symptoms of such as a fever or cough, or you are feeling unwell
■ Within the past two weeks, you have visited a country or region that has increasing cases of infection

When entering the facility, we ask for your cooperation with the following:

■ Temperature recording and writing your emergency contact details
■ Wearing a mask
■ Sanitizing your hands
■ Keeping distance between other visitors (approximately 2 m)
■ Refraining from loud conversation
■ Not touching walls or display cases
■ Making a personal note of when you visited (in case of infection, we will alert affected visitors)

Before entering the art museum, we ask for your cooperation with:

◎ Temperature recording
◎ Writing your emergency contact details

Opening Hours

Iwami Art Museum: 9:30-18:00

• Entry to the galleries is permitted until 30 minutes before closing.

Iwami Arts Theater: 9:00-22:00

• Ticket Sales 9:00-18:00.

Closed Days

Iwami Art Museum: Every Tuesday, New Year's holidays

Iwami Arts Theater: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, New Year's holidays

• If Tuesday is a national holiday, Museum/Theater will be open. Instead of this it will close on an alternative weekday.
• There may be changes to the opening/closing schedule due to planned events.

Locker Room

Free lockers are available in the Museum Lobby.

A deposit is required.

Parking Lots

A capacity of parking lots is about 240 cars including large-sized buses.

Museum shop

You can buy exhibition catalogues, books, post cards, framed pictures and telephone cards.

Restaurant

Meals and soft drinks are served.

Area information

• Japan National Tourism Organization
• SIGHTSEEING IN SHIMANE
• Masuda City Tourist Information Center

Museums, Theaters, Cultural facilities

• SHIMANE ART MUSEUM
• ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART
• Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
• HIROSHIMA MUSEUM of ART
• OHARA MUSEUM of ART
• Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media
• AQUAS

Museum information, Ticket information

• artscape

Related facilities

• SHIMANE PREFECTURE

• Iwami Koutsuu City Bus to Ikou-ji: Get off at 'Grand Toit Mae' Bus Stop (1 minute on foot)
• 1km from JR Masuda Station (15 minutes on foot)
• 6km from Hagi-Iwami Airport (Airport Bus to JR Masuda Station, 15 minutes)
• 40km from Hamada Expressway, Hamada Interchange (50 minutes by car)

5-15 Ariake-cho, Masuda-shi, Shimane-ken, 698-0022 JAPAN 
TEL: +81-0856-31-1860 
FAX: +81-0856-31-1884 
E-mail zaidan@grandtoit.jp 
http://www.grandtoit.jp