Designed by internationally-renowned architect Toyo Ito, sendai mediatheque is a stunning piece of contemporary architecture that has become a hub for cultural activities in Sendai. This seven-storied building is home to a public library, exhibition floors, a multi-purpose hall, a cinema, and more. Kaneiri, the museum shop on the ground floor, has a fine selection of local crafts for sale. There is always something going on—see their Japanese homepage for a list of current and upcoming exhibitions and events. Their most poignant ongoing project is the center for remembering 3.11, an intriguing grassroots record of the 2011 disaster.