21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa is fully wheelchair accessible and a great example of the artistic culture of Kanazawa.

Background Information

Located in the center of Kanazawa, near Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is focused on works produced since 1980 that “propose new values”. It was designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa and opened to the public in 2004. The building is circular in shape and has a low profile with glass walls and multiple points of entry to ensure the museum feels open and accessible to everyone. The museum includes a library, lecture hall, and children’s workshop around the outside and exhibitions in the center.

Artists being exhibited are encouraged to produce installations unique to the museum that will become “closely associated with the Kanazawa area”. Artists with permanent exhibits include: Francis Alys, Matthew Barney, Tony Cragg, Olafur Eliasson, Leandro Erlich, Isa Genzken, Kojima Hisaya, Murayama Ruriko, Hiraki Sawa, Atsuko Tanaka, James Turrell and more.

The most famous permanent display is Leandro Ehrlich’s Swimming Pool.

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) as well as December 27 to January 1 for the New Years Holidays. Exhibitions are open from 10:00 to 18:00 (Friday and Saturday until 20:00). The public spaces open 9:00 to 22:00. Entrance fees vary by exhibit.

Getting There

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art can be accessed from stop number RL9/LL8 on the tourist-oriented Kanazawa Loop Bus (as well as a few other bus lines). All buses on the Loop Bus are wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is fully accessible. Wheelchair accessible toilets and elevators are available. Rental wheelchairs are also available.

©️ The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Conclusion

For lovers of modern art and architecture, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a great way to spend the afternoon. The building is both beautiful and fully wheelchair accessible.