The harada-no-mori gallery at the hyogo prefectural museum of art oji branch opened on october 1, 2002, as a rental gallery, utilizing the former hyogo prefectural museum of modern art building. this site was once known as "harada-no-mori" and was the stage for the emerging art movement in the late taisho period. designed by togo murano, one of japan's leading architects, it is a memorial building that was completed in 1970 as part of the 100th anniversary of the prefecture's administration. it boasts one of the largest exhibition areas among prefectural galleries nationwide and is used for a variety of exhibitions, from national touring exhibitions to solo exhibitions. in addition, numerous sculptures that have been cherished since the days of the former hyogo prefectural museum of modern art are displayed on the grounds, delighting the eyes of visitors.