Pola Museum of Art

Overview

The Pola Museum of Art is a museum nestled in the abundant natural beauty of Hakone. It houses numerous paintings by world-renowned masters such as Impressionist painters Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne. Its Impressionist collection is particularly noteworthy, recognized domestically and internationally for its scale and quality. The museum is situated in a lush forest, creating a unique space where nature and art seamlessly blend. The architecture respects Hakone's natural landscape and scenery; much of the building is underground, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the forest. The interior is an open, light-filled space, utilizing custom-designed lighting to beautifully showcase the artwork. In addition to the exhibition halls, the museum offers relaxing cafes and restaurants. The cafe provides stunning Hakone views while you savor specialty coffee and sweets, and the restaurant serves exquisite dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. Well-maintained walking trails wind through the surrounding forest, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while immersing themselves in art. These trails feature approximately 1km of boardwalk, where you can admire beech and Japanese stewartia trees. The Pola Museum of Art is a must-visit destination in Hakone. In addition to Impressionist paintings, the museum houses a wide range of works, including Japanese Western paintings, nihonga (traditional Japanese paintings), prints, sculptures, East Asian ceramics, glass crafts, and cosmetic tools. Alongside permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts various special exhibitions, lectures, and gallery talks. The Pola Museum of Art is a highly recommended destination for experiencing nature and art.