Hotels near 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

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About 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2004 in Kanazawa's central Kenroku-en district. The circular glass and concrete building by SANAA architects—Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa—houses site-specific installations and a permanent collection of international contemporary works. Key pieces include Leandro Erlich’s ‘Swimming Pool’ and Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Color activity house’. The museum’s free-access zone connects directly to the surrounding park, while ticketed exhibitions change regularly.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art located?

The museum is in central Kanazawa, Japan, within the Kenroku-en cultural district. It is a short walk from Kenrokuen Garden and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art.

Who designed the museum building?

The building was designed by the architectural firm SANAA, founded by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Its circular, glass-walled design opened to the public in 2004.

What are the museum's most famous artworks?

A key permanent installation is Leandro Erlich’s ‘Swimming Pool’, which creates an optical illusion of an underwater space. Other notable works include pieces by Olafur Eliasson and James Turrell.

Is there an admission fee?

Access to the museum’s public circulation zone and some outdoor installations is free. A separate admission ticket is required for special exhibitions and the designated gallery areas.

What are the opening hours?

The museum is typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Mondays and over the New Year holiday.

How do I get to the museum from Kanazawa Station?

From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or a Hokutetsu bus to the ‘Hirosaka/21st Century Museum’ stop. The bus journey takes approximately 15 minutes.