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The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is a modern art museum located in the center of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It opened on October 9, 2004 and exhibits paintings, calligraphy, photography and other art works.
The museum has 6 collection rooms and 8 special exhibition rooms. In addition to the exhibition area, there is also a library, classrooms and children's space.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, resembles a transparent, floating island. Its architectural design has garnered worldwide attention, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. The museum's 360-degree transparent glass curtain wall seamlessly blends the exterior into the interior, allowing visitors to experience the connection between art and the city.
Free (Exhibitions are charged, and the fees vary depending on the circumstances of each exhibition)
Open from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday all year round from 10:00 to 18:00
Open Friday-Saturday all year round from 10:00 to 20:00
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, opened in 2004 and has since become one of the most important contemporary art museums in Japan. Its unique circular design symbolizes openness and inclusion, showcasing a variety of media including installations, video art, and painting. The museum’s collection focuses on fostering dialogue between local and global artists, and it is recognized for its commitment to engaging the public with contemporary art.
The museum is located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. It can be easily accessed by bus, with several routes stopping at the museum. From Kanazawa Station, it is a 10-minute taxi ride or about 20 minutes by public transportation. The museum is also within walking distance from other downtown attractions, making it convenient for a day trip.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays. The best time to visit is during weekdays, as weekends can be crowded. The museum is less busy during the off-season months, like early spring or late autumn.
The general entrance fee is around 1,000 JPY for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased both online through the museum's website and at the entrance. Special exhibitions may have a separate fee.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but recommended for special exhibitions or during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can usually be purchased on the day of the visit, but it’s best to book online during busy times to avoid long lines.
Visitors typically need about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum's permanent collection. If you plan to attend a special exhibition or participate in a workshop, allocate 2.5 to 3 hours.
Guided tours are available in Japanese and English, and audio guides can be rented at the entrance. The audio guides provide a deeper understanding of the artworks and their creators. The tours are especially helpful for those interested in the philosophy behind the museum's architecture and exhibitions.
Start by exploring the outdoor sculpture garden, then move to the main exhibition halls to see the rotating exhibits. Finish your visit with a walk through the open-air galleries and visit the museum shop.
Night visits are available on Fridays when the museum stays open until 8:00 PM. Special exhibitions and light shows are occasionally held, so it’s worth checking the museum's calendar in advance for any unique events.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and holidays. The best time to visit is during weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Thursday. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
The museum has clean toilets, water fountains, a café, and rest areas for visitors to relax. There is also a museum shop offering art books, souvenirs, and unique art-inspired products.
The museum is fully accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. It is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and elevators to access all floors, and offers special assistance if needed.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Suica or other Japanese payment apps) are accepted at the museum. Credit cards are also widely accepted in the shop and café.
Inside the museum, there is a café that serves light meals, coffee, and snacks. Nearby, there are several restaurants offering traditional Japanese dishes, including sushi and soba, as well as Western-style options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the museum’s café, with some nearby restaurants offering plant-based dishes. Halal food is limited but can be found in the city center with prior research.
The museum shop offers unique art-inspired souvenirs, including art prints, ceramics, books, and local crafts. Traditional Kanazawa crafts like Kaga-yuzen silk and Kutani ware are also popular souvenirs in the area.
