Guide
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a premier outdoor sculpture museum located in Hakone, Ashigaraki District, Kanagawa Prefecture. Spanning approximately 70,000 square meters, the museum features a 'Sculpture Garden' format where artworks are elegantly placed amidst lush green lawns. The defining characteristic of this museum is the seamless integration of artistic masterpieces with the surrounding natural landscape.
Opened on September 6, 1969, the museum was designed by the sculptor Takeyoshi Inoue. Over the decades, the facility has continuously expanded its offerings, including the renovation of the Picasso Pavilion and the installation of the 'Symphony Sculpture' (the stained-glass tower). The museum is managed by the Hakone Open-Air Museum Foundation to preserve and promote the intersection of art and nature.
The museum features a diverse range of exhibition areas. The outdoor exhibition area houses approximately 120 permanent sculptures by prominent modern and contemporary artists. A standout feature is the 18-meter-tall 'Symphony Sculpture,' a stained-glass tower containing 480 pieces of glass that create a breathtaking visual experience. Additionally, the Picasso Pavilion offers a dedicated look at the works of Pablo Picasso, while the 'Manz Room' showcases works related to Giacomo Manzù. These areas allow visitors to focus deeply on the history and specific styles of renowned sculptors.
The museum is open year-round, offering a changing landscape with every season. In spring and summer, the deep greenery provides a vibrant backdrop for the sculptures. Due to Hakone's unique climate, the museum can often be shrouded in mist, creating a mystical and ethereal atmosphere for the art. During bright daylight hours, visitors can enjoy the interplay of light and shadow on the sculptures and the brilliant reflections within the stained-glass structures.
For a hands-on experience, the 'Net of Forest' area offers interactive art designed for younger visitors (primarily elementary school students and younger). For relaxation, the 'Mori no Ashiyu' (Forest Footbath) allows you to soak your feet in natural Hakone hot spring water. The museum also occasionally hosts special events such as riddle-solving programs or sticker rallies, though availability depends on the season and weather conditions.
The museum is conveniently located just a short walk from Chokoku-no-mori Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway. As Hakone is a hub for numerous museums and cultural sites, the Hakone Open-Air Museum serves as an excellent starting point for a scenic art-focused itinerary through the mountains.
As much of the museum is located outdoors, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please follow the designated paths, as some lawn areas may have restricted access. To preserve the art, touching the sculptures is strictly prohibited. For payment, the museum accepts credit cards and major transportation IC cards (such as Suica/Pasmo) in addition to cash. English signage and staff assistance are available to assist international visitors.