The museum was the first of its kind in Japan to be designed specifically as an open-air exhibition space for contemporary sculpture.
The Symphonic Sculpture tower is constructed with stained glass panels that create shifting light patterns as visitors ascend the interior spiral staircase.
The Picasso Pavilion contains one of the world's most significant collections of Picasso's ceramic works, personally curated by his daughter, Maya Widmaier-Ruiz-Picasso.
The museum grounds are positioned to allow natural seasonal foliage, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, to serve as a changing backdrop for the permanent sculptures.
Several sculptures, such as those by Carl Milles and Henry Moore, are placed strategically to contrast their geometric forms against the organic slopes of the Hakone hills.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is Japan's first outdoor art museum, established in 1969 to integrate modern sculpture with the natural landscape of the Hakone mountains. The 70,000-square-meter grounds feature approximately 120 permanent works by renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, and Rodin. A dedicated Picasso Pavilion houses over 300 works, including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures, which are rotated periodically. The museum layout utilizes the hilly terrain to provide sightlines where sculptures appear framed by the surrounding mountains. The site includes both indoor galleries and outdoor garden areas connected by walking paths. A distinctive feature is the 'Symphonic Sculpture,' a soaring glass tower accessible via a central spiral staircase that offers panoramic views of the gallery grounds. The museum incorporates foot-bath facilities fueled by natural hot spring water from the Hakone area. Its collection emphasizes large-scale contemporary works that interact directly with the environment.
The interior of the Symphonic Sculpture tower for vibrant stained-glass light reflections.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the museum covers a large, hilly outdoor area.
Bring a small towel in your bag if you plan to use the free hot spring foot bath located on-site.
Visit the indoor galleries during peak midday sun to stay cool, and explore the outdoor garden paths during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours.
Attempting to rush through the entire grounds without taking breaks, as the steep paths and sheer volume of artwork can be physically demanding.
Open daily; closed only for facility maintenance or severe weather events.
Do not touch the sculptures unless explicitly marked as interactive. Stay on designated paths to preserve the garden landscaping.
