Hakone Museum of Art Reopens After Full Renovation, with Café by Living National Treasure

The Hakone Museum of Art, located in the Gora area of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is set to reopen after a comprehensive renovation of its facilities and exhibition environment. The institution, founded in 1952, is renowned for its collection of Japanese art and its landscaped gardens. The reopening will take place in two phases: a pre-opening on October 30 and a grand opening on December 23.

The renovation aims to foster a deeper harmony between architecture, art, and gardens. From the pre-opening, the exteriors of the annex and the rest house will be restored to their original traditional color, a pale yellow known as "torinoko," which creates a vivid contrast with the distinctive blue roof tiles. Visitors will also be able to discover the "Okuniwa" inner garden, normally closed to the public, and enjoy the autumn scenery of the moss gardens of Shinsenkyo and the Sekirakuen stone garden.

The new café, installed for the pre-opening, features a counter made of precious wood crafted by Murayama Akira, a woodworker designated as a Living National Treasure (holder of an important intangible cultural property). From this light-filled space, one can gaze at Mount Myojogatake and the surrounding gardens while savoring specialty coffee or original breads. A tea room, Shintei, will offer matcha cultivated through natural farming, paired with seasonal Japanese sweets.

The museum, which first opened in 1952 in the hot-spring town of Gora, is particularly cherished for its collection of ancient ceramics and paintings, as well as its designated gardens. This renovation is part of an effort to enhance the site's artistic and natural heritage. The cost of the work has not been disclosed.

Admission fees will be adjusted after the grand opening: they will rise from 1,000 yen for adults during the pre-opening period to 1,500 yen, with student rates also revised. The museum will be closed on Thursdays, except when Thursday falls on a national holiday. This reopening is set to be a highlight of the Japanese cultural season, blending tradition and modernity in an exceptional natural setting.

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Written by the ADM desk based on 美術手帖. Read the original article for the full story.