At last the Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto is set to open. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to our city council and to all of those whose understanding and cooperation led to the creation of this museum. This museum can trace its origins to a donation to Kumamoto City of many of the works of Western-style painter and Distinguished Cultural Service Award recipient Nobumichi Ide. Construction of the museum was further made possible by the opportunity we gained to be a part of the Kamitori District A First Urban Redevelopment Plan, which is taking place in the heart of our city and changing the very face of Kumamoto. This area has long prospered as the cultural and commercial center of Kumamoto. Extremely convenient to reach by public transportation, it is a place that is easily accessible to those of all ages whether they are stopping in after shopping or dropping by on the way home from work. As the new face of Kumamoto City as well as its cultural centerpiece, it is my sincere hope that young and old alike will welcome the museum and learn to enjoy it as a place to experience high-quality fine art with an international flair. In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone whose support and understanding made the opening of this museum possible.

The Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto is open to all people. We hope to be more than a museum that merely promotes art for the sake of knowledge and culture. Instead, we strive to become a museum where people feel a warm sense of “home” and are able to catch their breath as they recover from the hustle bustle of daily life. To this end, we have set the following goals for our museum:

1. To be a museum that analyzes the human condition thorough comtemporary Japanese and world art.
2. To be a museum that considers artistic expression from the standpoints of food, clothing, and the home.
3. To be a museum that encourages the expressive activities of artists who make Kumamoto and Kyushu their home.

1. Exhibitions
   We will hold a variety of exhibitions rooted in contemporary social consciousness ranging from those on an international scale to those that historically analyze local art.
2. Collection, Preservation, and Display of Art Work
   We will collect, preserve, and display world, Japanese, and Kumamoto contemporary art that symbolizes the 21st century.
3. Educational Programs
   With a focus on unique educational programs for children based in our Kids Factory (a studio for children), we will develop a variety of programs including publications and events aimed at meeting the needs of the people of Kumamoto.
4. Survey Research
   As an art research facility that maintains international standards, we will form linkages with contemporary art museums and universities around the world and conduct a broad range of research covering domestic and foreign art as well as local art.

June 1993	Planning for the construction of an art museum begins after the family of late artist Nobumichi Ide donates his major works to the City of Kumamoto
March1997	Kumamoto City Council announces that an art museum will be constructed as part of the Kamitori District A First Urban Redevelopment Project
April 1997	Kumamoto City government establishes the City Museum Construction Project in the then Cultural Promotion Section of its Policy Planning and Finance Bureau's Planning and Public Relations Department.
September 1997	Kumamoto City Art Museum Construction Analysis Committee founded to discuss the basic principles behind the new museum as well as its functions and activities
July 1998	Kumamoto City Art Museum Construction Analysis Committee releases its interim report detailing the construction framework for the art museum
March 1999	Kumamoto City Art Museum Construction Analysis Committee releases its final report, entitled "Design Ideals for Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto"
April 1997	Groundbreaking ceremony held for the construction of the Kamitori District A Urban Redevelopment Building, which will house the new museum
December 2001	Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto Ordinance enacted, establishing the Kumamoto City Arts and Culture Promotion Foundation as the new museum's governing body.
March 2002	Museum Establishment and Preparation Section established in the Policy Planning and Coordination Bureau (the current Planning and Financing Bureau).
October 12, 2002	Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto opens