Karuizawa New Art Museum

The Karuizawa New Art Museum stands as a contemporary cultural landmark in the renowned mountain resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. The museum opened in 2012 after renovating a former commercial building. The all-glass exterior of the building, designed with white pillars reminiscent of a larch forest, was designed by architect Rikuo Nishimori. This architectural innovation reflects the harmony between modern design and Karuizawa's natural forest environment.

The Karuizawa New Art Museum's mission is focused on reframing Japanese artwork into a global conversation on artistic innovation. The museum works to spread knowledge domestically and internationally regarding superb Japanese art, in particular work made during Japan's post-war period. The institution has gained recognition for actively collecting works by Japanese avant-garde artists, including works by avant-garde artists who belonged to the Gutai Art Association, whose international reputation has grown remarkably in recent years.

Visitors can explore exhibitions across the museum's two floors, with special exhibitions that include not only the world's leading contemporary Japanese artists and their group exhibitions, but also overseas artists, with an innovative approach that will meet the expectations of art fans from both Japan and abroad. The museum features both permanent collections and rotating special exhibitions that showcase post-war Japanese contemporary art alongside international works.

The museum can be accessed easily from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station, followed by local transportation. The available transportation options from Tokyo to Karuizawa include the Shinkansen, regular trains, and highway buses. For those looking to save on costs, the express bus is a great option, while the Shinkansen is ideal for those who want to arrive as quickly as possible.

Admission fees are structured with the first floor being free, while the second floor requires tickets: Adults 2,000 yen, High school/University students 1,000 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 500 yen, and preschool children enter free. The museum is closed on Mondays (or the next weekday if it falls on a public holiday), with August being open every day.