21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

Since its opening in 2004 with the theme of “An art museum open to the world,” it has grown into the nation’s most popular museum that made the name, Kanazawa, tied to art with the unique exhibition methods. The piece that captures light from the cut-out ceiling, a swimming pool in the yard which is actually a room to look up through the glass ceiling with water on top, and a host of artistic pieces that “suggest new values” will entertain you. The hall is geared to help visitors see, feel and experience the art work.

The uncommon building was designed by a team of architects, SANAA, upon the concept of “a museum open to the city like a park.” It has no front door, built in a circular shape, stretching horizontally toward the city. Utilizing a lot of glass, the space is designed to help people in different zones sense each other in wondrous ways.

The hall is divided into an interacting zone and an exhibition zone. You can visit the art gallery, theater and library. Part of the permanent exhibition is open to the public for free. Different themes are on display in the exhibition zone from time to time.