Utsunomiya Museum of Art was opened to public on March 23rd, 1997, as a part of the centennial anniversary project of municipal organization. The site is situated in a forest in the north part of the city, where ecosystem is conserved in the most natural state. Thus, the museum is planned as a low-storied building with two stories above and one under the ground. Its design harmonizes with the natural environment too. Public zones such as galleries, lecture hall, reading lounge, museum shop and restaurant are all located on the first floor, and the floor level is kept as flat as possible so that wheelchairs and baby strollers can be moved smoothly.
Museum activities cover collection, research, exhibition and education of art and design of the 20th-21st century. The collection is introduced in the “Permanent Collection” gallery, while masterpieces of the world and various aspects of art and design are shown in “Special Exhibitions” held five or more each year.