Architect Ryue Nishizawa is a Pritzker Prize laureate, known for his work with SANAA.
The building uses 64 different types of glass to manage light intensity and reflection.
The collection includes the 'Waterfall' series, created with traditional Japanese mineral pigments.
The museum site was originally a defunct golf course and nursery before being reforested.
The interior includes a 'Color Leaf' garden, which changes hue throughout the seasons.
The building has no load-bearing walls; instead, it uses a system of thin steel columns.
Hiroshi Senju was the first Asian artist to receive an individual exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 1995.
The Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa is a private institution dedicated to the large-scale waterfall paintings of artist Hiroshi Senju. The building, designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa, features a unique curved, single-story glass structure that follows the natural topography of the site. The gallery space lacks internal partitions, creating a fluid transition between the indoor exhibits and the surrounding gardens. The floors are slightly sloped to mimic the natural landscape, requiring visitors to walk on an incline. The museum houses a permanent collection of Senju’s signature 'Waterfall' series, utilizing high-ceilinged spaces to accommodate monumental canvases. Controlled natural lighting is integrated into the architecture through skylights and exterior glass walls. The facility is surrounded by approximately 60,000 plants, including wild grasses and trees native to the Karuizawa region. The integration of flora and architecture is a central component of the museum's design philosophy. The site serves as both a repository for contemporary art and a study in modern architectural harmony with a forest environment.
The exterior glass facade reflecting the surrounding forest and the museum's entry pathway.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the sloped, undulating gallery floors.
Visit during mid-week to experience the intended silence of the space without crowds.
Allow time to walk the outdoor garden paths after viewing the interior galleries.
Do not attempt to photograph the artworks, as strict enforcement is in place to protect copyright and the meditative atmosphere.
Closed on Tuesdays, unless the Tuesday is a public holiday. Closed during winter months for extended maintenance.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the gallery spaces; maintain a quiet voice throughout the building.
