Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center

the impressive design of the first hawaiian bank structure suffices in that in itself the open invite to the general public to visit their museum will never be negated; regardless of the installation. every and all themes are superbly categorized and … even though some are more intricate and delicate than others — each never fails to impress. the fact alone that the abode is home to fantastic local art is much much appreciated… best part of it: the exhibits are gratis.

The art in the First Hawaiian Center is part of the state’s initiative to integrate the arts into Hawai’i. I think it’s a great solution.
The space is borrowed by the Contemporary Museum and there is no charge for admission.
The featured exhibits are by artists of Hawai’i, Hawai’i expats, or artists who created a body of work in Hawai’i.
There’s art posted downstairs by the tellers, but that’s not all. Go up the marble stairs and check out the main gallery space.
The gallery on the second floor houses temporary exhibitions in a ~ 40’x40’ space and then extends down a long hall. They coordinate the space really nicely.
The building is located in the middle of downtown, so is very accessible. They don’t have their own parking, so you’ll have to hunt for street metered parking. But while you’re in the area, check out the local fare or Chinatown.

This place is actually just a bank… but not «just a bank» I mean… it’s definitely a bank, like with tellers and safes and stuff but The Contemporary Museum has their whole deal there and there’s hella good stuff not just in the lobby. Keep your ear to the ground, they have special events and new artists each month. It’s a really special place and HOLY SHIT they featured Kirk Kurokawa’s paintings does that say anything? Does it? It SHOULD! He’s dope.
Damn…
OK I’ll just go ahead and upload pics of this so you can see. Check em out. Then get there…