What other travelers are saying about 21st Century Memorial Park Hayama no Mori
We really enjoyed our time wandering through the museum. The art is contemporary and different, with moments for contemplation. We loved many of the artworks that the museum was showing (inside and outside). The space, which is modern and beautiful, wasn’t overly crowded when we went. You need to reserve a time to enter Leandro’s Pool, which you can do at the museum if you forget to do it prior.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). The museum is closed on Mondays and New Year holidays. General admission to the Exhibition Zone costs 450 yen for adults, while the Collection Gallery requires a separate ticket ranging from 360-420 yen. The free Public Zone with popular installations like Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool is accessible during extended hours.
From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Left or Right route) and get off at Korinbo stop, then walk 5 minutes to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa. Alternatively, take city bus routes 3, 6, or 11 to Hirosaka/21st Century Museum stop. The museum is located at 1-2-1 Hirosaka in central Kanazawa, near Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
The most famous artwork at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa is Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool' in the free Public Zone, where visitors can experience the illusion of being underwater. Other must-see installations include James Turrell's 'Blue Planet Sky' light installation, Anish Kapoor's 'L'Origine du monde' trumpet sculpture, and Florian Claar's color activity house. The museum's circular glass architecture designed by SANAA is also a highlight, offering 360-degree views and natural light throughout the galleries.
Yes, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa and Kenroku-en Garden make perfect companions for a day trip in Kanazawa. The museum is located directly across from Kenroku-en Garden, just a 2-minute walk apart. Many visitors combine both attractions along with nearby Kanazawa Castle Park. A combo ticket is available for 500 yen covering both the museum's Collection Gallery and Kenroku-en Garden admission, offering savings for tourists exploring Kanazawa's cultural district.
Photography policies at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa vary by artwork and exhibition area. Photography is generally allowed in the free Public Zone, including the famous Swimming Pool installation, but flash photography may be prohibited. In the paid Exhibition Zone and Collection Gallery, photography restrictions depend on specific artworks and temporary exhibitions. Visitors should check current photography rules at the entrance or ask museum staff, as policies can change based on artist copyrights and exhibition requirements.
I made my way here from the D.T. Suzuki Museum. Just when I thought that the rains have eased, it started pouring when I reached this museum. I used the Bunka no Mori Odekake Pass to enter the museum.
My first impression was that the museum is chaotic—the place was full, and I really didn't know where to go first. I eventually followed a group of people lining up for a room. I didn't really stay long in the room, the experience of which repeated throughout the other displays I visited in the museum. For sure, there were many interesting things to see, but it was all a bit too disconnected and random for me. This is to be expected I guess, since artists are bound to be different, but I'd like to feel some sense of connectedness between the exhibits, which I didn't find here.
The museum is a huge circular structure, with many exhibits inside. I followed a circular route, expecting to find something that would make an impression, but unfortunately I didn't find anything. The crowds definitely affected my experience negatively.
I guess most people came to see the Swimming Pool, but it was closed due to the rain, so that left people wandering aimlessly.
The Maru sculpture and the surrounding open area outside was refreshing, in contrast to the crowded interior.
All in all, I would say that if visiting Kanazawa, one should visit this place, but do not expect too much.
The 21st Century Museum is a great public space to enjoy, even without going into the paid exhibitions. There are plenty of free areas to explore and lots of good photo spots. My kids especially loved the green open space around the museum where they could run and play.
Inside, there are art workshops for children, and the staff are very friendly and helpful with the handmade activities. It makes the place welcoming for families.
The famous swimming pool artwork is currently closed until September 19, so plan accordingly if you want to see it. Still, the museum and its surroundings are worth visiting for both art and relaxation.
The Kanazawa pass only gets you to half of the museum.
Cool to see James turrel on a snow day though. The outdoor installation was fun.
For the pool installation, you’ll have to sign up agita’s of time and wait for awhile. I skipped it as I’ve been to the one in the Netherlands.
I visited the museum at night. The experience where you can enter the pool was already fully booked, but the nighttime illumination was beautiful. The museum is open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Kenrokuen Garden and Korinbo are nearby, making the area lively and pleasant to walk around.
