【Mosaic Tile Museum Tajimi】Discover the Joy of Tiles and Unleash New Possibilities

A Museum That Feels Nostalgic Despite Being New

The Tajimi City Mosaic Tile Museum was designed by Terunobu Fujimori, a globally acclaimed architect known for his innovative structures and the museum’s honorary director.

The building features a sloped ground resembling a mortar and earthen walls, inspired by a clay hill representing a clay quarry. This unique exterior, reminiscent of a clay hill used for tile raw materials, symbolizes the local industry, offering a nostalgic yet fresh and intriguing impression.

Architect Fujimori has stated that “soil” is the most fundamental material in building construction. Tiles, too, are made by firing soil, and by embodying this origin, the museum highlights the versatile charm of tiles that have adorned human life and suggests their rich future possibilities.

A Permanent Exhibit Showcasing Regional Industrial Culture through Tile Production

The museum features three exhibition rooms from the second to the fourth floor, each showcasing different aspects of tiles. These exhibits provide a comprehensive archive of Tajimi City’s tile industry, preserving its history and exploring new utilization possibilities.

The second-floor exhibition room is managed directly by the Tajimi-Kasahara Tile Hall, a general incorporated foundation. In 2019, the exhibition content was revamped to demonstrate how currently circulating tiles can be integrated into everyday life through 16 different scenes of “Living with Tiles.” Each space is crafted based on designs proposed by interior designers, and the displayed tiles can be ordered at the concierge counter, where any questions about tiles are welcome.

The third-floor exhibition room presents a collection tracing the manufacturing process and history of Tajimi’s mosaic tiles. The exhibit includes a timeline of the tile industry, rare samples of Showa-era tiles, and videos explaining the manufacturing process and history. The adjoining gallery hosts special exhibits on tile industry history, art, and more, with the collection displays changing to match the themes.

Ascending the dimly lit grand staircase to the fourth floor, visitors enter a space covered in white tiles from floor to ceiling. The area features mosaic tile murals, public bath tiles, and washbasins collected from various regions, creating an extraordinary space directed by Terunobu Fujimori, where everyday tile products from the Showa era are transformed into a surreal experience.

Hands-On Workshop and Museum Shop

On the first floor, the hands-on workshop allows visitors to create their own original mosaic tile crafts on items like coasters or photo frames for just 500 yen. The color, shape, and size of the tiles can be freely chosen, making it easy and fun for children as well. For reservations and details, please check the official website.

The first-floor museum shop offers a variety of products, including tile accessories, chopstick rests, and items featuring tiles used in the museum’s interior. The shop carries locally made tile products and original items from the Mosaic Tile Museum, providing plenty of ideas for creative uses.

Abundant Events and Special Exhibits!

The Tajimi City Mosaic Tile Museum hosts a variety of special exhibits and events.

The “Cycling & Tile Factory Tour,” a tour of various tile factories in Kasahara-cho, Tajimi City, the leading tile production area in Japan, starts from the museum. Participants can enjoy guided tours of the museum, exhilarating cycling with the “Tajimi Rental Cycle” electric assist bicycles from Tajimi DMO, and unique factory visits and experiences. Other events include night museum visits, tile panel giveaways, and special exhibits on the history of ceramics and tiles. For information on current and upcoming events and exhibits, please visit the official website.