Establishing Kanazawa as a Cultural Hub
In 1870, the Meiji Restoration brought industrialisation to Japan and eschewed the era of the samurai that had brought prosperity to Kanazawa. The city stagnated for most of the next century. In the 1970s, though, plans were announced to bring the shinkansen from Toyko all the way to Kanazawa. It took 40 years, but the line was completed in 2015, and Kanazawa re-entered the national stage as a city of history and culture.
But it almost didn't happen. When the project was announced, many of Kanazawa's historical sites were in disrepair or destroyed. A massive movement began in the city, preserving what was left, repairing what was damaged and trying to rediscover what was thought to be lost.
Things culminated in the mid-90's. Two schools in the centre of the city were looking to relocate, and city officials put forward plans to create a cultural centre in the heart of Kanazawa. Their proposal was to create a museum cluster, featuring the Prefectural Museum of Art, National Crafts Museum, and the Prefectural History Museum all within a few square kilometres. The plans took off and the 21st Century Museum of Modern Art opened in 2004. It has been a powerful draw for Kanazawa ever since, establishing itself as one of the world's leading modern art museums.
Permanent Exhibitions
The museum is famous for its installation of Leandro Erlich’s ‘Swimming Pool’, which allows visitors to walk into the artwork where they appear to be underwater to onlookers. Both perspectives, above and below, are great picture opportunities for visitors.
Inside, it is impossible to miss the next permanent installation: a bright wall of flowers. Done by Michael Lin, "Citizen's Gallery 2004.10.9-2005.3.21" showcases his fascination with kaga yuzen, a local craft of kimono painting. The gallery is the perfect backdrop for a picture to commemorate your visit to the museum.
Outside are multiple installations that can be enjoyed for free. One of the highlights is Olafur Eliasson's "Color Activity House", which you can physically move through to see the landscape in different colours. At night, the light in the centre glows to emulate a lighthouse. There is also a metal balloon-like structure meant to be played in called "Wrapping"; and Klangfeld Nr.3 für Alina, twelve pipes that connect different parts of the park underground that allow you to communicate with others.
Special Exhibitions
（ミシェル・フーコーから輝かしい未来へ）》 2011
金沢21世紀美術館蔵
©Pei-Shih Tu
There are usually around five additional exhibitions on at any given time. Most are included in the admission fee, while the special events are usually around JPY1200. The special exhibitions planned for the 2025 year from April are:
- Layering Time: Depicting This World (Apr 29 - Sep 28)
- Collection Exhibition 1: Material Fever (May 24 - Sep 15)
- Janet Cardiff Motet for 40 Voices (May 24 - Sep 15)
- ALTEMY PARK IN PROGRESS (May 20 - Oct 5)
- Aperto 19 Keita Miromoto what has escaped us (May 20 - Oct 5)
- Otobong Nkanga Shaped by Many (Sep 27 - Nov 24)
- Collection Exhibition 2: The Possibilities of Letters (Sep 27 - Jan 18, 2026)
- SIDE CORE (Oct 18 - Mar 15, 2026)
- Dragon's Delusion by Jiang Kangquan (Oct 18 - Mar 22, 2026)
- Aperto 20 Tsuno Seiran (Oct 18 - Mar 22, 2026)
- People, Noto, art. (Dec 13 - Mar 1, 2026)
© Asako Fujikura
Visiting Kanazawa
Kanazawa is quite friendly for those who are walking around the city and there are many sites that are within a 5-20 minute walk of Kanazawa Castle. It directly adjoins Kenrokuen Park at its entrance which also is next to the daimyo villa of Seisonkaku and Ishiura shrine, famous for its pond and tunnel of torii gates. The Higashichaya Teahouse District, Oyama Shrine, DT Suzuki Museum, and Kazuemachi Geisha District are all also within a comfortable walk and help you dive even deeper into this fascinating city.
Are you interested in a guided tour around this beautiful city? See the castle, garden, geisha district and many of the other sites mentioned above and all in one day!
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warrior's house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of an opulent former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the museum's operating hours?
The outdoor areas are free to visit from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
The indoor exhibition areas, which are ticketed, are open from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
How long should I plan to be in the museum for?
The museum recommends that you budget 30 minutes per exhibition.
Is the museum wheelchair/ stroller friendly?
Yes, you can explore the museum if you have a wheelchair or a stroller.
I have luggage, can I store it while I look around?
The museum has some coin lockers for backpack-sized luggage. Larger items can be placed in bigger lockers downstairs.
