The original Akita Prefectural Museum of Art was opened on May 5, 1967.

The museum has two additional galleries for rotating exhibitions.

The triangular-shaped building was designed by award-winning architect Tadao Ando.

[1] Some features of the museum architecture include a free-standing staircase and a triangular skylight which greet visitors as they enter the building.

There are also glass panels along one side of the building on the second floor where the museum shop and cafe are, which offer views of Senshu Park (the former site of Akita Castle).