21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Experience cutting-edge contemporary art in an accessible, circular museum
Opened in October 2004, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (commonly called Marubi or 21st Century Museum) was designed by renowned Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA. The museum won the Golden Lion award for best project at the Venice Biennale in 2004 for its revolutionary circular design. Unlike traditional museums with a single entrance and linear path, the building features a circular glass structure with multiple entrances, embodying the concept of openness and accessibility.
The museum was established as part of Kanazawa's cultural revitalization program, positioning the city as a hub for contemporary art and culture. The innovative architecture eliminates the barrier between inside and outside, with large glass walls offering views of the surrounding park and city. The museum's philosophy centers on making contemporary art accessible to all visitors, including children, with many interactive installations that invite participation rather than passive viewing.
The museum quickly became one of Japan's most visited art museums, attracting over 2.6 million visitors in its first year alone. Its most famous permanent installation, 'The Swimming Pool' by Leandro Erlich, has become an iconic artwork that challenges perception and delights visitors of all ages. The museum has helped establish Kanazawa as a major destination for contemporary art in Asia, complementing the city's traditional culture with modern creativity.
Key Highlights
- Iconic circular design by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA (2004)
- Famous 'The Swimming Pool' installation by Leandro Erlich - viewable from above and below
- Free admission to public exhibition zones; paid tickets for special exhibitions
- Over 40 permanent artworks including installations by James Turrell and Anish Kapoor
- Family-friendly with interactive artworks designed for all ages
- Museum shop featuring contemporary art books and unique design items
- Fusion 21 restaurant serving creative cuisine in architectural setting
- Located next to Kenrokuen Garden, perfect for combining traditional and contemporary culture
Access Information
Location
1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509
Nearest Stations
- • Kanazawa Station (JR Hokuriku Main Line, Hokuriku Shinkansen) - 15-minute bus ride
- • Hirosaka Bus Stop - 1-minute walk to museum entrance
Opening Hours
Exhibition zones: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Friday/Saturday until 8:00 PM). Public zones: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Closed Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday) and December 29 - January 1.
Admission Fee
Public zones (including some permanent installations): Free. Exhibition zones: Adults ¥450, University students ¥310, Under 18 free. Special exhibitions have separate admission (typically ¥1,000-¥1,500).
How to Get There
From Kanazawa Station
Take Kanazawa Loop Bus (left or right route) to Hirosaka/21st Century Museum stop (15 minutes, ¥200), then walk 1 minute. Alternatively, take City Bus #3, 6, or 11.
20 minutes
From Tokyo
Take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station (2.5 hours), then local bus to museum (15 minutes)
2.5 hours
From Osaka/Kyoto
Take JR Limited Express Thunderbird to Kanazawa Station (2-2.5 hours), then local bus to museum (15 minutes)
2.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Visit During Extended Hours
Visit on Friday or Saturday evenings (open until 8:00 PM) for a quieter experience and beautiful evening atmosphere. The Swimming Pool installation is particularly striking with evening lighting.
Swimming Pool Photography
The Swimming Pool requires viewing from both above (free zone) and below (paid zone) for the full experience. Queue times can be long during peak hours - arrive early or visit late afternoon for shorter waits.
Family-Friendly Features
Many installations are designed for interactive play, making this ideal for families. Children's Workshop offers hands-on art activities on weekends (reservation recommended). Free lockers and nursing rooms available.
Free Admission Areas
Many impressive artworks are in the free public zones, including outdoor sculptures and architectural features. You can enjoy a significant portion of the museum without paying admission.
Combine Exhibitions
If visiting paid exhibition zones, allocate 2-3 hours total. Audio guides available for ¥200. Check the website for current special exhibitions - they often feature internationally renowned contemporary artists.
Museum Shop
The museum shop offers excellent contemporary art books, unique design items, and Kanazawa craft collaborations. Many items are exclusive to this museum and make distinctive souvenirs.
Dining & Cafe
Fusion 21 restaurant serves creative lunch sets in a beautiful setting with garden views (¥1,500-¥2,500). The museum cafe offers light meals, coffee, and desserts without museum admission.
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Located between Kenrokuen Garden (5-minute walk) and Kanazawa Castle. Easy to combine all three in a half-day itinerary. The museum's modern aesthetics beautifully contrast with traditional Japanese culture nearby.
FAQ
Can I see the famous swimming pool artwork without a ticket?
You can view Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool' from above in the free public zone without a ticket. To experience the underwater perspective from below, you need to purchase a ticket to the exhibition zone. Both views offer unique perspectives worth seeing.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Art enthusiasts may want 3 hours to fully explore all galleries and outdoor installations. The museum's circular design makes navigation easy, and you can revisit favorite sections.
Are there English explanations for the artworks?
Yes, most major artworks have English descriptions alongside Japanese. Free English pamphlets are available at the information desk. Audio guides in English may be available for special exhibitions. Staff at the information desk can provide additional assistance in English.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Photography policies vary by exhibition. The Swimming Pool and some permanent collection pieces allow photography without flash. Temporary exhibitions often prohibit photography entirely. Look for signage near each artwork, and when in doubt, ask museum staff before photographing.
What days should I avoid due to crowds?
Weekends and national holidays can be very crowded, especially for popular installations like the Swimming Pool. Weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, are quietest. Avoid the first Sunday of each month when many museums offer free or discounted admission.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly with interactive installations that appeal to children. The Kids Studio offers hands-on art workshops (reservation may be required). Many outdoor installations and the Swimming Pool are particularly popular with kids. Strollers are permitted in most areas.
Are there lockers for bags and coats?
Free coin-return lockers are available near the entrance for storing large bags, backpacks, and coats. Large items are not permitted in exhibition rooms. Smaller bags are allowed but must be carried carefully to avoid touching artworks.
What dining options are available at the museum?
The museum has restaurants and cafes offering light meals, desserts, and drinks. The museum shop cafe is accessible without an admission ticket. For more substantial dining, the surrounding area has numerous restaurants within 10-15 minutes walk, including near Kenrokuen Garden.
Should I buy tickets online in advance?
Advance online tickets are recommended for weekends and holidays to avoid queuing. They're particularly useful during special exhibitions. Weekday visitors can usually purchase tickets on-site without significant wait. Check the museum website for current exhibitions and ticket options.
Can I combine this visit with other Kanazawa attractions?
The museum is within walking distance of Kenrokuen Garden (15 minutes) and the Nagamachi Samurai District (10 minutes). A full day itinerary could include all three locations plus lunch at nearby restaurants. The museum's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Kanazawa.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Higashi Chaya District
A beautifully preserved geisha district with traditional wooden tea houses lining cobblestone streets. This atmospheric neighborhood offers a glimpse into Kanazawa's cultural heritage and the elegant world of geisha entertainment.
Kenrokuen Garden
One of Japan's Three Great Gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design featuring ponds, streams, bridges, teahouses, and meticulously pruned trees across all seasons.
Nagamachi Samurai District
Well-preserved samurai district in Kanazawa featuring traditional earthen walls, residences, and historic streets dating back to the Edo period.
Omicho Market
Kanazawa's bustling food market with nearly 300 years of history, offering fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, local produce, and authentic dining experiences.
Wakura Onsen
A prestigious seaside hot spring resort on Nanao Bay with over 1,200 years of history, known for high-quality ryokan, therapeutic salt waters, and fresh Noto Peninsula seafood.