Immerse yourself in the vibrant contemporary art scene of Kanazawa, Japan’s 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, a striking glass building housing a diverse collection of post-1980 artworks that redefine values and offer points of reference within the context of modern art history.
The Rise of Kanazawa’s Art Jewel
A Museum Born from a Visionary’s Dream
In Japan‘s Kanazawa prefecture, a 2.5-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo brings visitors to an immersive contemporary art museum that has quietly grown into one of the country’s most renowned institutions. Designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, the ’21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art’ is housed in a striking circular building composed primarily of glass, creating a structure as open and fluid as the experience it offers.
Located on the west coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island, Kanazawa is a city steeped in history and natural beauty.
Founded in 1583 by Maeda Toshiie, the city was once the seat of the powerful Kaga Domain.
Today, visitors can stroll through the well-preserved Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens.
The city is also famous for its gold leaf production, with many shops and artisans selling handmade crafts.
A Collection Shaped by Place and Taste
The museum debuted in 2004 with just 200 artworks—a collection that had taken roughly four years to build. Twenty years later, the permanent collection includes around 4,170 works, a 1,900 percent increase. These span various mediums but remain limited in scope: the museum only acquires pieces created in 1980 or later, and more narrowly, only those that influence new values or offer points of reference within the context of post-1900 art history, with a preference for works by or connected to artists from the Kanazawa region. Artists commissioned by the museum are encouraged to produce site-specific installations that will anchor their work in Kanazawa.
A Focused Approach to Contemporary Art
The museum’s curatorial vision is guided by a clear philosophy: to avoid an overemphasis on any one genre and instead seek a diverse range of expressions. As ‘Since contemporary art encompasses a wide range of expressive forms, we do not focus on any particular genre.’ notes Hiroaki Ochiai, the museum’s public relations chief, ‘we aim for a diverse range of expressions.’
This approach has led to exhibitions that showcase major works from the museum’s holdings, including pieces by Shimizu Akira, ‘Carsten Höller’ , and Yasura Takeshi.
Located in Kanazawa, Japan, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a iconic building designed by architect SANAA.
The museum features a unique circular design with 53 galleries and a large central atrium.
With a collection of over 3,000 works, it showcases an impressive array of contemporary art from around the world.
The museum's exterior also features a canal that runs through its center, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors to explore.
A Growing Collection with Global Reach
Recent exhibitions have highlighted the museum’s expanding collection, which now includes work by twelve artists, including Leandro Erlich, Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, and Olafur Eliasson. While only 5 percent of the artists represented are from Kanazawa, a region of just under 462,000 people, the institution has made significant strides in showcasing Asian artists and those from Japan. With no plans to slow down its collecting efforts, the museum’s future looks bright.
A Community Driven by Art
The expansive collecting strategy reflected in these exhibitions has catalyzed the museum’s rapid growth, as did a major acquisition from the Kiyoshi Awazu Archive. ‘In 2006, we received a significant donation of 2,944 items from his family, which greatly contributed to the increase in the overall number of works in our collection,’ Ochiai said. The museum remains committed to its founding principles and continues to nurture a community driven by art.
Kiyoshi Awazu is a renowned Japanese animator and film director, best known for his work on the iconic anime series 'Space Firebird.' Born in 1933, Awazu began his career in animation in the 1950s and went on to become one of the leading figures in the development of Japanese animation.
He was instrumental in creating the 'Mushi Productions' studio, which produced many classic anime titles.
Awazu's contributions to the world of animation have had a lasting impact, inspiring generations of animators and filmmakers.
A Museum that Reflects the City
The ’21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art’ , Kanazawa is more than just a museum—it’s an immersive experience that reflects the city it calls home. With its striking glass building and diverse collection, the institution has become a beacon for art lovers and enthusiasts alike. As Ochiai notes, ‘I believe that the permanent exhibition works associated with the building and grounds of the museum are distinctive and noteworthy as part of our collection.’ The museum’s growth is a testament to its vision and commitment to showcasing the best in contemporary art.
- observer.com | The Rise of Kanazawa’s Art Jewel
