HIRAKU Project Vol.17

The Pola Museum of Art opened in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 2002 with the concept of "the symbiosis of Hakone's nature and art." The museum's collection, amassed over 40 years by Suzuki Tsuneji, second-generation head of the Pola family, comprises a total of 10,000 pieces, including Western and Japanese paintings, Japanese paintings, prints, Oriental ceramics, glass art, and cosmetics from all over the world. The building, designed with consideration for Hakone's nature and landscape, is limited to a height of just 8 meters above ground, with most of the structure located underground, blending seamlessly into the forest. To further enhance visitors' enjoyment of the rich natural beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a promenade grandly opened in July 2013. In addition to admiring the artworks, visitors can also enjoy nature walks through the forest, which is home to numerous beech and hollywood trees.



The museum boasts one of Japan's largest collections of Western paintings, primarily featuring Impressionist artists such as Monet and Renoir. Located in the tourist destination of Hakone, you can enjoy authentic artworks at your leisure. One of the museum's special features is the lighting in the exhibition rooms, set to a "July Parisian sunset" setting, allowing you to beautifully appreciate the Impressionist works. In addition, the museum offers original merchandise and restaurant course menus tailored to each exhibition theme, ensuring you'll never tire of visiting with each exhibition or season. Enjoy a moment in this light-filled architectural space, immersed in the rich collection and artworks by some of today's leading artists.