21ST CENTURY MOCA KANAZAWA | Museum

Kanazawa - Japan

ADDRESS:

1-chōme-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509, Japan

ACCESS:

Entrance to the building and public zones both inside and out are FREE. Tickets are required for temporary and special exhibits and range from ¥300 to over ¥1,000 with special prices for students and seniors.

HOURS:

Open daily from 10am - 6pm (8pm on Friday and Saturday)

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa is a landmark cultural institution designed by the architectural firm SANAA, led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa. Completed in the early 2000s, the museum is defined by its low, circular form and fully transparent perimeter, which removes the idea of a front or back and invites entry from all directions. Inside, galleries, courtyards, and public facilities are arranged as independent volumes, allowing visitors to move freely rather than follow a fixed route. The extensive use of glass and natural light creates a strong connection between art, architecture, and the surrounding city. Beyond exhibition spaces, the museum includes educational and community areas, reinforcing its role as an open civic platform. Its design challenges traditional museum typology by prioritizing accessibility, openness, and everyday engagement with contemporary art.

DESCRIPTION:

NOTES:

A great work of architecture and collection of art works. Confirm hours and ticket prices on the website. Many noteworthy artist are represented in the museum, including: James Turrell, Leandro Erlich, Olafur Eliasson, and Anish Kapoor.

MAP

IMAGE CREDITS:

Images (1-5) WROT (6-12) Kentaro Ohno

  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.
  • The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa by SANAA architects in Kanazawa, Japan.