Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa

Welcome to the Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa, a space that challenges the traditional 'white box' concept of art galleries. As you approach this building, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Ryue Nishizawa, you will…

The most immediately striking feature of the museum’s interior is its uneven floor. Nishizawa chose to retain the natural slope of the site, meaning that as you walk through the galleries, you are physically engaging with the…

The centerpiece of Hiroshi Senju’s oeuvre is undoubtedly his 'Waterfall' series. These monumental works are created using the traditional Nihonga technique, which involves grinding natural minerals like lapis lazuli and coral…

One of the most radical aspects of the Hiroshi Senju Museum is its extensive use of natural light. Traditional museums often keep art in controlled, windowless environments to protect pigments, but Nishizawa used UV-cut glass to…

While the waterfalls are most famous, Senju’s 'Cliff' paintings offer a darker, more textural exploration of the natural world. These works often use black and white or muted tones to depict the rugged faces of mountains and…

Even the functional spaces of the museum, such as the shop and the cafe, are designed with the same organic aesthetic as the galleries. The museum shop offers a range of high-quality goods, many of which are exclusive to this…

The experience of the Hiroshi Senju Museum begins long before you enter the doors. The external landscaping is an integral part of the architectural plan, featuring a diverse array of plants that change color and texture with the…

As you prepare to leave the Hiroshi Senju Museum, take a moment to reflect on the unique experience of art that follows the earth. We have walked the sloping floors, stood before the monumental waterfalls, and observed the way…