The ivy-covered walls of Ivy square is the centre of what used-to-be a complex of textile factories owned by Kurabo. The factories have since moved to modern facilities and the Meiji-era old buildings (dating back to 1889) have been converted into resturants, a hotel, shops and more museums; mainly the Torajima Kojima museum, the Kurabo Memorial Hall and the Ivy Acadamic Hall.
Torajima Kojima museum
Torajima Kojima was a local artist who had helped Ohara established his European collection. This museum features Kojima's artworks.
Kurabo Memorial Hall
This Hall outlines Kurashiki's growth as a textile center. The artefacts on display were interesting (once used by the factories), however, most explanations are in Japanese and the pamplets given were not much of a help either (yes, it's in Nihongo too).
Ivy Acadamic Hall
This Hall traces the develpment of Western art through reproductions of famed paintings. Again, explanations are in Japanese. What interested me most was the architecture of the Hall, which was left very much intact.
Visitors are given the option to buy individual tickets to each museum (350 yen/entry) or to purchase the package deal which costs 600 yen for all three museums. Museums are open from 9am-5pm. Only Tarojima Kojima museum closes on Mondays and public holidays.
Next to Tarojima Kojima museum is a quaint sovenir shop that sells local handicrafts. There is also a weaving workshop above the shop. Across this is a tiny little music hall that features piano-rolled music at scheduled intervals. (Separate entrance fee applies).
Go here for more information.