The idea of the architect was to create an "open museum" that would attract not only art lovers, but also the widest public - in contrast to the often "sealed" buildings of such institutions. Therefore, the double-height atrium of the Oita Prefecture Museum of Art is available to everyone without buying a ticket, and through its glass walls you can see what is happening inside. Moreover, if you wish, you can fold the glass doors that form the lower part of the southern, main facade of the museum, connecting the atrium with the space of the city, just as an engawa veranda connects traditional Japanese dwelling with the surrounding nature.
Since the street passing on this side is sometimes blocked by the municipal authorities for cars, creating a "paradise for pedestrians", the atrium of the museum can be used as an extension of this space. Moreover, there is a cultural center opposite, so it is possible to make two institutions and a street between them a venue for major holidays and any other events.
In addition, a pedestrian bridge has been thrown across the street, connecting the museum and the foot of the multifunctional skyscraper Oasis 21 (the cultural center Iitika is located there).
The motif of the intersection of wooden beams determines the appearance of some of the interiors of the museum and its main façade; the lattice theme is continued by the solution of the pedestrian bridge.
The museum shop and cafes have been made "mobile" to expand the possibilities for exhibits. Moreover, the border between the atrium and exhibition hall A can also be moved or removed altogether, turning the entire lobby into a space for displaying works of art.
The museum has several halls for permanent expositions and temporary exhibitions, storerooms, an educational center with workshops and a lecture hall. There is a small open-air exhibition space in the center of the upper floor.
