The cooling system relies on 'snow storage,' where thousands of tons of compacted winter snow are used to chill the building's air during summer.
The pyramid was completed in 2003, two years before the official opening of the entire Moerenuma Park.
Isamu Noguchi designed the park as a 'sculpture' that reclaims land previously used as a waste treatment facility.
The structure is designed to look like a mountain of glass, echoing the form of the man-made Moere Mountain located across the park.
The pyramid is the primary anchor of a 189-hectare landscape that integrates art, play, and nature.
The Glass Pyramid 'HIDAMARI' serves as the central focal point of Moerenuma Park, an expansive landscape project designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. The structure features a geometric glass-and-steel design that acts as an atrium for park activities, exhibitions, and visitor services. It utilizes a natural snow-cooling system, where snow collected during winter is stored to provide air conditioning during warmer months. The interior houses an information center, a gallery space dedicated to Isamu Noguchi, and a restaurant. The building serves as an all-weather hub, providing shelter for park-goers during Sapporo's harsh winters. Its design emphasizes transparency, allowing views of the surrounding artificial landscape and the Moere Mountain earthwork. It functions as a multipurpose facility for art, community interaction, and climate-controlled recreation within the larger park grounds.
From the base of the Sea Fountain, looking across the water toward the pyramid to capture the geometric reflection.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the surrounding park is massive and best explored on foot or by rental bicycle.
Visit the gallery space on the lower levels to understand the artistic intent behind the park's master design.
Use the upper levels of the pyramid to gain a panoramic perspective of the park's geometric layout.
Do not attempt to walk the entire 189-hectare park without a map or a rented bicycle, as the distance between features is significant.
Closed on Mondays or the following day if Monday is a national holiday. Closed for maintenance during year-end and New Year holidays.
