Hakone Open-Air Museum

Overview

The Hakone Open-Air Museum, opened in 1969, was Japan's first outdoor sculpture museum. Spread across 70,000 square meters of rolling grounds with mountain views, it displays over 120 works by modern and contemporary masters including Rodin, Moore, and Niki de Saint Phalle.

Highlights

• Picasso Pavilion: A dedicated hall housing over 300 works spanning Picasso's entire career, from ceramics to paintings and sculptures.
• Symphonic Sculpture: A 10-story tower of spiraling stained-glass panels by Gabriel Loire that visitors can climb inside, offering kaleidoscopic light effects.
• Foot Bath: A natural hot-spring foot bath where visitors can soak their feet while gazing at sculptures and the surrounding Hakone mountains.

History

Founded in 1969 by the Fujisankei Communications Group, it pioneered the concept of harmonizing art with nature in Japan. The collection has grown to include works by Miró, Giacometti, and leading Japanese sculptors, making it one of Asia's most important sculpture parks.

Visitor Tips

• Allow Time: The grounds are vast and hilly — comfortable shoes are essential.
• Rainy Days: The outdoor setting is actually atmospheric in light rain, and the indoor galleries provide shelter.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.