Guida
The Usui Kogen Art Museum is an outdoor sculpture museum located on the Usui Kogen Plateau in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters. Managed by the Sculpture Forest Art and Culture Foundation, it opened in 1981 as a sister museum to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The most striking feature is the collection of dynamic contemporary sculptures scattered across vast lawns and lush green hills. The sight of geometric, modern artworks integrated with the grand natural landscape—including blue skies, white clouds, and the distant Northern Alps—offers visitors a profound visual experience.
The museum was established with the theme of the coexistence of nature and art. Utilizing its unique high-altitude location, the museum focuses primarily on outdoor exhibitions. Historically, it follows the tradition of the Hakone Open-Air Museum, emphasizing how sculptures change within a natural environment and become part of the landscape. Additionally, the museum plays a role in nurturing future generations of art through community-based activities, such as hosting sculpture competitions for children.
The vast grounds host works by world-class artists, including pieces by Pablo Picasso (such as "Owl" and "Dove"), alongside many other prominent sculptors. You will encounter bronze statues with a sense of movement, geometric metal sculptures, and colorful abstract works that create a striking contrast with the natural colors of the environment. The museum also features an indoor gallery housing paintings and models of famous works like the Venus de Milo and David, allowing for a comprehensive art experience. Visitors can also enjoy diverse works like playful sculptures of rabbits that evoke a sense of storytelling.
The museum is primarily open from late April to mid-November. During the winter season (late November to mid-April), the museum is closed as parts of the Venus Line, the access route, are closed due to snow. The best times to visit are from the beautiful fresh greenery of spring to the crisp air of autumn. On clear days, the colors of the sculptures stand out vividly against the blue sky and white clouds, creating a highly photogenic landscape. Depending on the time of day, the shifting sunlight changes the shadows and reflections on the sculptures, offering a different perspective on the art.
Beyond just viewing art, visitors can walk through the vast grounds to witness the harmony between nature and art. As you stroll along the well-maintained walking paths, the expression of the sculptures changes depending on your viewpoint. Experiencing contemporary art amidst the refreshing, high-altitude air provides a sense of detachment from daily life. Depending on the season, you can observe how the artworks blend into the changing natural scenery.
The museum is located on the Usui Kogen Plateau, part of the beautiful Venus Line driving route. The surrounding area features highland resorts, accommodations, and roadside stations, making it easy to enjoy a longer stay. It is also close to other famous Nagano sightseeing spots like Kirigamine and Shiravake Lake, making it a representative highland resort area of the region.
Since the museum is located at an altitude of over 2,000m, temperatures are generally much lower than at sea level. Please bring an extra layer of clothing regardless of the season. Preparing for cold weather is essential, especially in spring and autumn or when the weather changes. We highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. As you will be moving across a large outdoor area, clothing suitable for physical activity is best.