Art Tower Mito

Located in the heart of Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Art Tower Mito is a comprehensive modern arts and cultural facility that integrates an art gallery, concert hall, and theater. Since its opening on March 22, 1990, it has become a significant cultural symbol of the city. The building was designed by renowned architect Arata Isozaki, and its iconic spiral tower exterior has become one of Mito’s landmarks.

Built on the former site of Mito Municipal Goken Elementary School, the facility was part of the city’s 100th-anniversary project. Then-Mayor Kazunobu Sagawa promoted cultural revitalization policies and introduced Japan’s first system of allocating 1% of the municipal budget (approximately 900 million yen) to cultural activities. The total construction cost reached 10.35584 billion yen, reflecting the city's strong commitment to arts and culture.

The center has its own Mito Chamber Orchestra, and has had notable cultural figures such as music critic Hidekazu Yoshida, conductor Seiji Ozawa, and musicologist Toshihide Katayama serve as directors, demonstrating its influence in the music world. Upon opening, the facility also established an "Artistic Director" system in three major fields—visual arts, music, and theater—to ensure professional development in each area.

The venue focuses on self-produced exhibitions and performances, promoting contemporary art and attracting audiences from across Japan. Although partially damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the facility was repaired and reopened. The building has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Public Buildings, and winning the BSC Award and the Architectural Institute of Japan’s 25-Year Award.