Designed by Arta Isozaki, this prefectural museum was built in the prefectural forest park and opened in the autumn of 1974. Since then the museum has worked to raise the cultural level of Gunma Prefecture and to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants through its exhibitions of fine works of art and other wide-ranging programmes. The activities of the museum include the acquisition and preservation of art works, art research and study, organisation of permanent and temporary exhibitions, explanations of art on display, lectures and other educational programmes. In 1994 museum facilities were expanded with a new high-definition television theatre, museum shop, and restaurant. In 1998 a Contemporary Art Wing, designed specifically for exhibitions of contemporary art, was added. Museum facilities and programmes will continue to expand as its staff seek to create a museum suited to the 21st century.