Discover the POLA Museum of Art: A Comprehensive Guide to Hakone's Premier Art Destination
Hakone, located in the southern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, is characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and lakes. With excellent accessibility from central Tokyo, Hakone has long been a popular destination for people seeking relaxation.
While Hakone is famous for its hot springs, it's also home to many art museums showcasing precious artworks, thanks to its popularity among tourists and low-humidity conditions.
Today, we'll introduce the POLA Museum, one of several museums in Hakone, known for its Impressionist paintings and harmonious integration with nature.
Please read on to learn about notable artworks and how to best enjoy your visit.
POLA Museum: Hakone's Popular Art Museum Known for Its Open Space and Harmony with Nature
The POLA Museum is a beloved art museum in Hakone that offers a perfect balance between open spaces and natural harmony. Built with the theme of coexistence with nature, the building incorporates large windows and open-ceiling designs, allowing visitors to experience an outdoor feeling while being indoors.
The paintings exhibited inside primarily consist of Impressionist works characterized by their use of bright colors to express light, perfectly complementing the natural illumination that flows into the POLA Museum's atmosphere.
The grounds also feature well-maintained walking trails, so please feel free to visit with the mindset of taking a stroll through a Japanese forest.
Understanding Why POLA Museum Is Popular Among International Visitors
The Harmonious Blend of Magnificent Nature and Artistic Works
Source:FASHION PRESS
At the POLA Museum, visitors can experience a beautiful fusion of nature and artistic works. Built within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the POLA Museum features large windows that offer views of the surrounding forest, creating an experience where it feels as if you're appreciating art within nature itself.
The POLA Museum building, conceptualized around the theme of "coexistence of Hakone's nature and art," is deliberately designed to be lower than the surrounding trees to preserve the natural landscape.
Additionally, the interior, which primarily features white colors, incorporates wood-grain elements. Visitors are encouraged to notice these thoughtful design elements that help the museum blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
A Curated Collection Featuring Monet, Richter, Hammershøi, and More
Source:Official website
The POLA Museum houses carefully selected works by artists including Monet, Richter, and Hammershøi. The museum's founder, Tsuneshi Suzuki (second generation of the POLA founding family), assembled a diverse collection of artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries to offer visitors a comprehensive artistic experience.
This allows visitors to compare different artists and their works while experiencing the evolution of art history as a whole.
Furthermore, the POLA Museum offers "Gallery Talks" where curators provide detailed explanations about the artworks. Those interested in developing a deeper understanding of art are encouraged to participate in these sessions.
The Collection Centers on Impressionist Works by Artists like Monet and Renoir
The POLA Museum primarily displays Impressionist works, including those by Monet and Renoir. The museum houses 19 pieces by Monet and 17 works by Renoir in its collection.
The Impressionist movement focused on capturing fleeting moments rather than static subjects or objects. Using pure, unmixed primary colors, these artists skillfully captured momentary light effects, inviting viewers into a dreamlike world.
A particularly appealing aspect of the POLA Museum is the opportunity to appreciate works by Impressionist masters like Monet and Renoir while surrounded by natural beauty.
Popular Events Held Periodically
Source:Official website
The POLA Museum is renowned for its popular periodic events. These events deeply explore the artists, their works, and their historical periods, attracting many visitors seeking new discoveries.
The 2022 exhibition "From Monet to Ritahee" generated significant interest by highlighting how Impressionism's concepts of light continue to influence contemporary artists.
Be sure to check the POLA Museum's official website for the latest event information before your visit.
670-Meter Hiking Trail Within the Grounds
Source:Google Maps
Following the concept of "harmonizing Hakone's nature with art," the POLA Museum features a 670-meter walking path that allows visitors to enjoy the forest as part of the artistic experience.
Unlike urban museums, the POLA Museum uniquely combines art appreciation with nature, making it a particularly attractive destination.
The walking path is lined with beech trees and camellias, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in fresh air.
Enjoy Hakone's natural beauty by searching for sculptures displayed throughout the forest and listening to the bird songs echoing in the tranquil environment.
Popular On-site Restaurant "Arei Restaurant"
Source:Official X
When visiting the POLA Museum, make sure to stop by the on-site Arei Restaurant. You can enjoy their signature course meals and dessert menu while gazing at the beautiful Hakone mountains through the windows.
My recommendation is the dessert called "Water Lily," which is inspired by Monet's water lilies. The non-alcoholic sparkling wine features floating flowers and jelly, creating a mystical presentation that's enjoyable both visually and taste-wise.
Arei Restaurant is open for lunch from 11:00 to 15:00 and for tea time from 15:00 to 17:00.
5 Must-See Artworks at POLA Museum - Detailed Analysis by an Art Expert
As an art enthusiast, I'd like to introduce five notable artworks that you shouldn't miss at the POLA Museum.
Water Lily Pond (Monet)
Source:Official website
One of the most significant paintings at the POLA Museum is Monet's "Water Lily Pond." The depiction of light reflecting on the water's surface is magnificent and will surely captivate your attention.
"Water Lily Pond" portrays the garden that Monet himself designed at his home. Note the Japanese-style drum bridge (Taikobashi) over the pond, reflecting Monet's love for Japanese Ukiyoe prints.
It's fascinating to experience Monet's artwork incorporating Japanese elements right here in Japan.
Girl with a Lace Hat (Renoir)
Source:Official website
"Girl with a Lace Hat" by Renoir is another must-see artwork at the POLA Museum. The girl's expression radiates happiness, bringing joy to all who view it.
Another captivating aspect of "Girl with a Lace Hat" is the texture of the hat and dress, which are painted so realistically that viewers are tempted to reach out and touch them.
Since the POLA Museum is famous for its Impressionist collection, you should definitely take time to appreciate this work by Renoir, one of the movement's leading artists.
Thistle Flowers
Source:Official website
When visiting POLA Museum, don't miss Van Gogh's "Thistle Flowers." The painting brilliantly captures the zigzag pattern of the thistle's thorny leaves, leaving an unforgettable impression. Created just one month before Van Gogh's death, this artwork's bold brushstrokes seem to reflect his troubled state of mind during that period. POLA Museum houses many works by renowned artists, allowing visitors to explore their life stories while appreciating their artworks.
Landscape of Provence
Source:Official website
Cézanne's "Landscape of Provence" is one of my favorite paintings. The vibrant color combinations and detailed brushstrokes create a bright impression that uplifts viewers' spirits. This piece depicts Cézanne's hometown, and its fresh, beautiful expression conveys his deep love for his native region. Take time to contemplate the artwork while reflecting on your own hometown.
Abstract Paintings (Gerhard Richter)
source:Official website
At POLA Museum, Gerhard Richter's abstract paintings are must-see pieces. These mosaic-like works are fascinating to study while considering Richter's artistic intentions. The appeal of Richter's abstract paintings lies in how their impressions can change with repeated viewings or varying emotional states. POLA Museum regularly hosts exhibitions featuring Richter's work, making it worthwhile to plan visits around these special events.
Access to POLA Museum
Address: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access:
- By Train:
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station. Transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then to Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station. Take the free POLA Museum shuttle bus to the final stop.
- By Express Bus:
Take the express bus (Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus) from "Busta Shinjuku" or "Ikejiri-ohashi" to "Sengokuro." Transfer to the sightseeing loop bus bound for "Gora Station/Tenyu" and get off at "POLA Museum."
Official Website: https://www.polamuseum.or.jp/info/access/
3 Must-Visit Museums to Pair with POLA Museum for Art Enthusiasts
Here are three museums worth visiting alongside the POLA Museum for art lovers.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
After enjoying the paintings at POLA Museum, consider visiting The Hakone Open-Air Museum, just an 11-minute drive away. The museum features numerous outdoor exhibits, allowing you to appreciate art while being physically active.
Don't miss the 18-meter-tall outdoor installation "Symphonic Sculpture," which you can climb inside. As you ascend through the fantastically illuminated stained glass, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Hakone's mountains from the top.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: –
- Phone: 0460-82-1161
- Official Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest)
Source:Official website
When visiting POLA Museum, make sure to stop by the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, just a 4-minute drive away. This museum showcases Venetian glass, featuring pieces from ancient times, the golden age (15th-19th centuries), and contemporary works.
The museum's unique charm lies in its fusion of Japanese and Italian cultures, creating a fascinating atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 10:00-17:30
- Closed: January 14-24, 2025 (Winter closure)
- Phone: 0460-86-3111
- Official Website: https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/
Okada Museum of Art
Source:Official website
After viewing world-famous works at POLA Museum, visit the Hakone Okada Museum of Art, which focuses on Japanese and Oriental art, offering an interesting contrast to Western pieces.
I particularly recommend the massive artwork "Kaze-Toki" (Wind-Time), measuring 12 meters tall and 30 meters wide. The wind and thunder gods depicted against the golden background appear to be both smiling and angry, creating an unforgettable impression.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: December 31, January 1, and exhibition change periods
- Phone: 0460-87-3931
- Official Website: https://www.okada-museum.com/
