【Hakone】The Hakone Open-Air Museum – An art museum in nature that you can enjoy no matter who you come with or how many times you visit

After checking in at Hatsuhana, a hot spring hotel in Okuyumoto, we came to the Sculpture Forest Museum, which I wanted to bring my children to. It took about 20 minutes by car from Hatsuhana.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum?

The Hakone Open-Air Museum was established in 1969 as the first open-air museum in Japan. The museum’s 70,000-square-meter lush garden, which overlooks the Hakone mountains, houses a permanent collection of about 120 works by prominent Japanese and foreign artists of the modern and contemporary eras.

Walking around the vast grounds, visitors can find their favorite works of art and stop to look at them, take pictures, or just relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

It is a popular sightseeing spot in Hakone that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, including the Picasso Pavilion, where 319 pieces of Pablo Picasso’s world-class collection of ceramics and other works are sequentially exhibited, hands-on exhibits that are fun for small children, and a natural hot spring footbath.

I wondered how to get around this vast outdoor museum of about 70,000 square meters, but for now I decided to go around in a clockwise direction.

Hands-on exhibits to enjoy with children

The Hakone Open-Air Museum also has hands-on exhibits that small children can enjoy. “PockeT.” is a resting area on the lawn with many interactive exhibits, many of which are colorful and children seemed to enjoy playing with them. I would have liked to be relaxed around on the lawn, but it was extremely hot and the sun was shining, so I gave it up.

The “Woods of Net” is a special exhibit for children of elementary school age and under only. Children can enjoy this work without being conscious of art, as they can enter the net and rumble around, jump around like on a trampoline, or play by hanging on a ball.

The Bench like a cute fried egg.

Picasso Pavilion with one of the world’s finest collections

Further in through the Woods of Net, you will reach the Picasso Pavilion. This is a facility where the world’s leading collection of 319 works by Pablo Picasso is sequentially exhibited. Visitors can view a wide variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, as well as ceramics. (Photography is not allowed inside the museum.)

Picasso was often associated with cubist paintings, so it was refreshing to learn that he had created so many ceramic works. I learned that Picasso ate his meals on plates that he made himself, and they were so beautiful not only in design but also in shape that I felt as if I was being shown Picasso’s talent in all its glory.

Memorable works for me

Here are some of the most impressive works from the permanent collection of approximately 120 pieces.

François-Xavier Lalanne, Claude Lalanne / The Weeper (1986)

As soon as I entered, I saw on my left this work of art, “The Weeper,” which has a great impact. I had often seen this picture, but when I saw the actual work, I realized that this person was shedding tears. Since it is set above the water, it looks as if tears are flowing unceasingly, doesn’t it? “What’s wrong? Did something sad happen?” I couldn’t help but want to ask them.

Niki de Saint Phalle / Miss Black Power (1968)

Niki de Saint Phalle’s “Miss Black Power” caught my attention with her imposing appearance on the land of big blue sky. Standing on firm legs in colorful clothing, this woman exuded a strong will and confidence.

The work is one of a series of giant female figures, “Nana,” which she came up with after seeing a pregnant friend, and is said to positively rebound from the dual discrimination of women and blacks, and celebrate their existence in high spirits.

Antony Gormley / Close III (1993)

The mold was taken from the artist’s body. It is impressive that he stretches out his arms and legs as much as he can and adheres his body to the earth.

Gabriel Loire / Symphonic Sculpture (1975)

The interior of the inner tower is a world that cannot be imagined from the outside. The spiral staircase in the center is surrounded by colorful stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscopic world that is enchanting.

How was it? There are many other wonderful works of art on display at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. You can walk around with your family, lover, or friends, quiz each other “What do you think the title of this sculpture is? or take a rest in the footbath when you get tired, or take your time to think about the artworks. The feeling of the artworks will change depending on the weather and the season, so whether you are visiting Hakone for the first time or have been many times, we encourage you to visit.