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The Hakone Open-Air Museum opened in 1969 as the first open-air art museum in Japan. The scenic gallery consists of indoor and outdoor exhibitions and allows visitors to view sculptures and other works of art in a natural environment. The outdoor area displays sculptures from modern and contemporary genres across 70,000 square meters of lush greenery among the mountains of Hakone. There are approximately 120 works by well-known sculptors, including Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro, and Moore.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: Picasso Pavilion
Picasso Pavilion has as many as 300 works by Picasso on rotating display. Besides paintings, the gallery exhibits a wide range of Picasso’s legendary talent, including sculptures, tapestry, and gold or silver objects.
Hakone Open-Air Museum: Henry Moore Collection
The Henry Moore Collection is another recommended exhibition hall. This exhibition displays vast collections of works by the famous English sculptor Henry Moore. As intended, his works stand outdoors among nature and create a unique atmosphere as you walk through this open-air museum in Japan.
More to Enjoy at the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Additionally, the museum has artistic playsets for children where they can have a hands-on experience, interacting with the art and igniting their creativity. Plenty of restaurants and shops also help form a family-friendly environment where everyone can have fun. Also, after walking around the open-air museum, there is even a foot bath from a natural hot spring. Here, visitors can relax and enjoy the splendor of art in nature. Although the Hakone Open-Air museum mainly exhibits Western art, its unique placement in Hakone’s mountains still creates an unmistakable Japanese atmosphere.
How to get to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
To get to the Hakone Open-Air Museum by train from Hakone Yumoto Station, ride the Hakone Tozan Line and get off at Chokoku-no-mori Station. From there, the museum is just a 2-minute walk. Also, if you are coming from Tokyo, it is easy to go from Tokyo to Hakone.
Please be aware that tickets cannot be purchased in advance from overseas. Instead, you need to buy your tickets at the museum on the day.
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0493
Hours: 9am – 5pm (admissions until 4:30)
For more information check out the Hakone Open-Air Museum home page.
