Information from the Tsuruga Municipal Museum website:
The building of the Tsuruga Municipal Museum was formerly the second main office of the Owada Bank, which was established by Owada Shoshichi in 1927. It used to be the center of politics and economy in Tsuruga.
The construction of the bank’s main office started in 1925 and was completed in 1927. It is a three-floor building and has a basement. The building was constructed using bricks and concrete with a steel frame.
After World War II, the Owada Bank was merged with other local banks, and in 1977, its building was donated to the municipal corporation of Tsuruga.The museum started as the Tsuruga Folklore Archives Center in 1978. However, the interior and the structure had started to decay at that time.
The project for the building’s restoration started in 2004. The aim was to restore the structure to the original condition of Owada Bank. In 2015, the project was completed and building reopened as Tsuruga Municipal Museum. In 2017, this building was designated as an Important Cultural Property by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs.
There are three floors of museum exhibits, but photos were not allowed in many areas.
This is the famous elevator.
Hi Pamela: So many interesting things to see, I love the chairs at the table.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Nice building.😆
ReplyDeleteI once went to a cafe that used to a bank,. and it was a nice atmosphere with high ceilings. Looking at your picture made me want to go again.
That elevator must have been a real attraction, as well as the flush toilet. I guess few ordinary people had access to these areas but these facilities were probably 'the talk of the town'.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get on this elevator.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that there doesn't seem to be anything particularly Japanese about the building and furnishings.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an interesting museum. I really love that elevator!
ReplyDeleteJapan has the most interesting museums! Looks like the did a great job with the renovations.
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