The Art Tower Mito: Art as a Symbol of Human Aspiration

Mr. Hidekazu YOSHIDA,
Director General of Art Tower Mito

The eponymous tower that rises into the sky above the Art Tower Mito complex is a symbol both of Mito's centennial as a municipality and of the arts complex itself. It aptly catches the essence of the character of the arts itself: while rooted in our daily lives, it also reflects humankind's aspiration for a richer experience on a higher plane, giving form to our ideals, hopes, longings, and dreams. When I first saw a model of the tower, I was so fascinated with the way that it suggested infinite possibilities to us that I came up with the idea of naming the whole arts complex the "Art Tower Mito."

Walking slowly around the completed facilities, starting from the central plaza, I was struck by the various shapes and textures I encountered -- the repetition of contrasts between high and low shapes, as well as triangles and circles, the powerful combination of various lines, the subtle shadows created by the sun hitting the surface of the tiles, and the "jeux d'eau" (water play) in the center of the front facade. It reminded me of the words of Paul Valéry: "The completed structure demonstrates in one sweep the harmony of the will, creativity and knowledge inherent in humankind's survival."

entrance-hall As one enters the building, one first encounters the entrance hall, with dim light filtering through the skylight above to the row of pillars -- square at their base but round at the top -- below. The pipe organ installed in the entrance hall only adds to the feeling of gracious relaxation within the expanse. On the other hand, as one steps into the theater, the architecture immediately confronts one with a sense of tension, reflecting the tastes and conception of Mr. Tadashi SUZUKI, first artistic director of the ACM Theatre.

As for the concert hall, I was pleasantly surprised by its excellent acoustics: both loud and soft sounds resonate through the hall in perfect balance, providing music listeners with a natural listening environment. The galleries in the Art Tower Mito complex consist of various zones -- each having different dimensions of length and breadth and height -- that are combined in a skillful manner and lit with an intelligently contrived system of natural and artificial lighting so as to provide the optimum venue for exhibiting art works.
concert hall

The buildings of the Art Tower Mito, designed by the brilliant architect Mr. Arata ISOZAKI, convey a sense of unlimited fascination and possibility. The operation of Art Tower Mito complex shall be carried out in way that takes full advantage of the top-class facilities made available to it.

The Art Tower Mito would not have become a reality were it not for the superb vision and executive abilities of the mayor of Mito City, Mr. Kazunobu SAGAWA. Moreover, although Japan is full of similar facilities whose conception may have been praiseworthy but later ran into operational difficulties, we sincerely hope that the people of Mito -- for that matter, all the people of Japan -- will find the Art Tower Mito a suitable place to appreciate art, as well as to carry out creative activities in the fields of music, drama, and art. All the staff at Art Tower Mito are prepared to do their utmost to make that vision a reality.

Translated by Paul T. Narum