Kanazawa is a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture and is easily accessible by bullet train from Tokyo. It takes about 2.5 hours. Known as a miniature of Kyoto, Kanazawa has a rich history and well-preserved geisha districts like the Higashi Chaya district. In addition, it has some of the finest modern art museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Modern Art.
In this feature, we introduce a relatively new private museum called KAMU Kanazawa. It is a museum that holds exhibitions in small buildings scattered at various parts of the city of Kanazawa.
You can purchase 1-Day or 2-Day tickets at the KAMU Center. After purchasing a ticket, you will receive a QR code with a map showing the locations of the museums scattered throughout Kanazawa. If you are confident that you can get to all places in one day, we recommend purchasing a 1-Day ticket.
KAMU Center
If you’ve been following hashtags related to travel in Japan on Instagram, you’ve probably seen people taking pictures of this spiral staircase. A permanent exhibit, it is one of the must-see spots when visiting Kanazawa.
Called Infinite Staircase, this piece is installed on the the 1st floor of the building. Designed by Leandro Erlich, this experience-based installation allows viewers to enter the artwork. It highlights his use of the mirror to create a world of reality and illusion.
On the second floor of the building is an exhibit by Stephanie Quayle whose focus is on animals and the inherent force of nature.
Monkeys, rabbits, foxes, hens are part of the exhibit but you will also see creatures hiding by the stairs and in corners.
The rough finishing and muted colors create a surprisingly calm atmosphere.
Rabbit on the floor
A gorgeous little fox
On the third floor of the same building is an exhibition by Takuro Kuwata, a contemporary ceramicist.
Each piece of work here is unique focusing on Kuwata’s contemporary take on “wabi-sabi.”
Bright colors and unusual shapes add an element of fun to these pieces.
KAMU BlackBlack
KAMU BlackBlack is separate from the KAMU Center and it is pitch dark inside. A light and sound show takes place in a rectangular room about 3 meters wide, 7 meters high, and 20 meters deep.
You can only see this projection at certain times.
These images are sourced from the official website.
KAMU L
One of the three spots where you can see Daido Moriyama’s Lip Bar turn from an art gallery to a bar in the evenings.
Enjoy the bar’s delicious drinks in the midst of this iconic artwork.
KAMU k≐k
TALISMAN in the Woods by Ayako Suwa focuses on themes of nature, cities and water circulation. This exhibit is on till December 23, 2023.
Honda Park (本多公園)
Hiroko Kubo’s Muddy Feet is the only exhibit that is open to the public for free with no entry fee. Enjoy taking photos of these giant blue feet.
Most of the exhibits held are KAMU are temporary and you should check the official website or Instagram to see the latest information on artworks.
KAMU Kanazawa
Instagram
Click here to book tickets.
https://www.ka-mu.com
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