In order to solve the problem of the deterioration of the Oita Prefectural Art Center, and the lack of an appropriate space to adequately display artwork, it was announced that Oita would decide on plans for the basic concept of an Art Center (Prefectural Art Museum).

Specialists in every field, as well as prefectural citizen representatives who were recruited from the public, formed a 12 member committee, the “Oita Prefectural Art Museum Concept Investigation Committee,” and began to discuss matters.

Members of the “Oita Prefectural Art Museum Concept Investigation Committee” reported their findings and decided the core concept of the project: “It is necessary to create a new art museum that will become a center of art and culture, and will cultivate the sensitivity and creativity of the children who represent the future.”

The construction of a new art museum was announced.

The former site of the Institute of Public Welfare in Kotobuki-Machi, Oita City, was decided on for the location of the new museum.

The selection process to find a designer for the Prefectural Art Museum began. Shigeru Ban Architects won the competition to design the museum.

The art museum’s preliminary and final designs were completed.

The Oita Prefecture Art and Culture Zone Creation Committee consulted on the following: “1. The development of the joint planning and administration of the Oita Prefectural Art Museum and Oita Culture Center” and “2. The organizational and administrative systems required for the cooperation between both facilities.”

The Oita Prefecture Art and Culture Zone Creation Committee released a report on their research results (interim report).
The report concluded that the best way forward would be for the prefecture to work with the Oita Prefecture Culture and Sports Promotion Foundation in order for both parties to develop together as a parent body, and for the prefecture and the foundation to work as one in order to carry out administration and management.

The Oita Prefecture Art and Culture Zone Creation Committee released a report on their research results (final report).
The report concluded that it was necessary for the art museum and the iichiko Culture Center to work together and develop their activities based on the keywords “encounters, contact, and networks.”

Construction of the art museum began.

The foundation was appointed as designated as designated administrator for the art museum and the iichiko Culture Center.

The designated administration began.

Construction of the art museum was completed.

OPAM opens to the public.