The building's interior utilizes 2,000 triangular-cut Japanese cedar panels to soften the acoustic and visual impact of the glass surfaces.
The Chihuly exhibition area is titled 'Chihuly Exhibition' and is curated as a permanent immersive installation space.
The building was constructed on the former site of the Daiwa Department Store.
The facility serves a dual purpose as both a municipal art museum and the Toyama City Main Library.
The building's exterior granite panels were processed using different methods to change their texture and reflective quality based on their orientation to sunlight.
The Toyama Glass Art Museum is housed within the Toyama Glass Art Museum Building, an architectural complex designed by Kengo Kuma. The structure utilizes a facade of granite, glass, and aluminum to reflect the surrounding cityscapes. The permanent collection features a dedicated exhibition space for Dale Chihuly’s large-scale glass installations. The building also shares space with the Toyama City Library, integrating public literary resources with contemporary art displays. The interior features a striking six-story atrium characterized by wooden paneling that diffuses natural light. Visitors can view various rotating exhibitions of both domestic and international glass artists. The museum serves as the centerpiece of the Toyama Glass City Project, aimed at revitalizing the city's downtown area. The facility provides an accessible environment with multiple levels connected by an open-concept wooden staircase.
The central atrium stairs looking upward toward the intricate wooden ceiling lattice.
Visit the reading areas of the library on the lower levels to appreciate the unique architectural integration of the wooden interior.
The top floor exhibition area is the most significant; ensure you allocate enough time there before the rest of the museum.
Check the museum website for temporary exhibition changes, as they rotate frequently.
Do not mistake the public library sections for gallery space; be mindful of students and readers using the facility.
Closed on the first and third Wednesdays of every month and during the year-end/new-year holiday period.
Photography is prohibited in specific restricted areas; maintain quiet voices due to the integrated library environment.
