The building was called the Asahikawa Kaikōsha (旭川偕行社) and used as the officer's social club by the 7th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army from 1902 until 1945.

[1] The building was constructed with the western style, and a gate and some barracks in which soldiers of the division dwelt were initially built around the Kaikōsha.

Renovated to its original exterior, the museum has displayed historical materials including records of the Ainu people.

Teijiro Nakahara is a modern sculptor born in Kushiro, Hokkaidō, lived in Asahikawa in his childhood, and the museum was named after him.

In addition to the exhibition of sculpture works, events including concert and public lectures for children are held.