About Hakone Open Air Museum
Located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is known as Japan's first open-air museum with numerous sculptures displayed in the open air. The museum offers a unique blend of art in a natural setting, with works of contemporary art and well-known sculptors on display over an expansive area of approximately 70,000 square meters. Therefore, although it is an art museum, it has a spacious, park-like openness, providing visitors with a moment to leisurely stroll around and enjoy the art.
The most distinctive feature of the Hakone Open-Air Museum is the exhibition of sculptures in perfect harmony with the magnificent nature of Hakone. The sculptures displayed along with the flowers and trees planted in the grounds vary according to the season and weather. The sculptures are displayed outdoors, so that visitors can enjoy the art under a clear blue sky on sunny days, and on rainy days, they can experience the harmony of nature and the works of art with a tranquil atmosphere. This unique atmosphere created by the fusion of nature and art is a major attraction not found in other museums.
The works on display range from sculptures by leading 20th century sculptors to unique works by contemporary artists. In the Picasso Pavilion, which features works by Pablo Picasso, visitors can appreciate Picasso's diverse art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, and take the time to appreciate the breadth and talent of his art. Other exhibits include works by world-famous artists such as Henry Moore and Rodin, and are well worth seeing for art fans.
Furthermore, the Sculpture Garden Museum is unique in that it features many hands-on artworks that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Artworks such as “Net Forest” and “Shabondama Castle,” which allow children to enter and play inside the sculptures, are shaped like playground equipment and tickle their curiosity. The artworks are designed in such a way that they can be enjoyed by families, so that even children who are not interested in art appreciation can naturally come into contact with art through hands-on experience.
Another attractive spot for visitors is the “footbath. Located in a corner of the spacious grounds, the natural hot spring footbath allows visitors to relax in a luxurious space surrounded by sculptures while enjoying a view of the beautiful mountains of Hakone. Soaking in the footbath and looking at the art slowly will be a special moment that will heal your body and soul. It is a perfect place to take a break from viewing art, and is a popular spot for many visitors.
Furthermore, restaurants and cafes are scattered throughout the grounds of the Museum of Sculptures, where visitors can enjoy meals and teatime in a beautiful space surrounded by nature and art. Menus featuring seasonal ingredients and art-inspired sweets are offered, providing a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
All in all, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a spot where visitors can fully enjoy the special space created by the harmony of nature and art in Hakone, with a variety of artworks and experiences for both adults and children to enjoy. Visitors can spend a pleasant time in contact with art in nature and enjoy the sense of openness that only spacious outdoor exhibits can provide, making it a must-visit tourist destination when visiting Hakone.