Development and History

This page traces the development and history of Kyushu National Museum to commemorate the first ten years of the museum’s lifetime. The establishment of this National Museum within this region specifically was a long-awaited one, made possible thanks to enthusiastic support from local citizens and other organisations. The museum continues to enjoy a wealth of support from its community today.

Key Events (first published by Dazaifu City in An Overview of the History of Dazaifu City)

1873

  

The inaugural Dazaifu Exposition, held three times until 1875, featured artifacts and treasures related to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This expo was organized with the intention of encouraging the establishment of regional museum within Dazaifu.

1893

  

Plans for the Chinzei (“Kyushu”) Museum drafted by Nishitakatsuji Nobukane, Meiji-period member of the aristocracy and priest, Endo Masazumi, scholar of archaeology and head priest of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, et al., and approved by the Home Ministry. Fundraising efforts for this museum began in earnest, but were driven to a halt by the start of the Sino-Japanese War.

1899

  

1899 The Fukuoka Nichi-Nichi Shimbun (presently known as the Nishinippon Shimbun) published an interview on why having such a museum is necessary to the region. Key points of this interview included Kyushu’s unique positionality within Japanese history as a site for international exchange since antiquity. It also advocated for the preservation of artifacts relating to this history of exchange, as they were valuable both as art and as historic objects.

   
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1968

  

Creation of the Association for the Establishment of a National Museum in Kyushu, which consisted of representatives from the government and private sectors.

1971

  

Land for the museum’s grounds (17,000 square meters, of which 14,000 square meters was donated by Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine) was acquired by Fukuoka Prefecture.

1980

  

The Association was reorganized into the Kyushu Assembly for Museum Establishment, with a focus on the academic and financial spheres within Kyushu.

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1988

  

The Assembly was reorganized into the Kyushu National Museum Establishment Headquarters.

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  • Mar 1988: Creation of the Special Committee for the Investigation of Strategies to Establish Kyushu National Museum by the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly.
  • Apr 1988: Creation of the Association for the Establishment of the Kyushu-Asia National Museum by the Tsukushi Youth Assembly.
  • May 1988: Creation of the Assembly for the Promotion of the Dazaifu City National Museum by Dazaifu City.
  • Aug 1988: Creation of the Alliance for the Establishment and Promotion of Kyushu National Museum by the Kyushu block of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Dec 1992

  

Creation of the Kyushu National Museum Establishment Foundation.

Nov 1993

  

Creation of the Kyushu National Museum Establishment Assembly by Fukuoka Prefecture.

Jun 1994

  

Creation of the Committee to Investigate the Establishment of a New Concept-Based Museum by the Agency of Cultural Affairs (ACA).

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Jun 1995

  

Establishment of the Kyushu-Asia National Museum Support Association.
*Renamed to the Kyushu National Museum Support Association in Feb 1997. Presently known as the Kyushu National Museum Care Association.

Jun 1999

  

Creation of the Expert Committee for the Establishment of Kyushu National Museum by the ACA.

Oct 2005

  

Kyushu National Museum formally opens its doors to the public.

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