BASIC CONCEPT

A Symbiosis between Hakone’s Natural Beauty and Art:
This Is What We Value Most

The Pola Museum was created in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2002. Since it opened, the museum has championed the concept of a symbiosis between Hakone’s natural beauty and art. Designed with special consideration for the local environment and scenery, the museum facility is limited to an aboveground height of eight meters. The majority of the building is situated underground, allowing the structure to blend in with its surroundings. The galleries are fitted with lighting that was developed independently to display each work in the most beautiful manner. The museum’s collection, totaling approximately 10,000 items, was assembled over some 40 years by the late Tsuneshi Suzuki, the second-generation head of the Pola corporation. The diverse range of works, includes Western paintings, yoga (Western-style paintings by Japanese artists), Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings), prints, East Asian pottery, glassworks, and cosmetic utensils from every age and region. From the outstanding artworks to the abundance of nature and the light-filled architectural space, the museum positively breathes “symbiosis.”

Reverberations Resound through a Forest of Art:
There’s Something Here That You Won’t Find in an Urban Museum

Our museum was designed to blend into a national park in Hakone.
Here, untouched nature stands side-by-side with handmade creations.
The two become one, as time passes in a quiet and dignified manner.
And the forest becomes one more gallery.

Rather than being thrust inside, you are enveloped.
That is the essence of our collection.
You’ll find Monet, Picasso, and Foujita alongside contemporary artists.
There are over 10,000 items, including cosmetic utensils and crafts.

The power of art is directly conveyed from each work to each viewer’s unique sensibility.
This is accompanied by a resonant curatorial approach.
Look, and you are sure to discover something up ahead.

Each time you visit, you’ll find something new at this museum that loves change.

POLA MUSEUM OF ART

Reverberations Resound through a Forest of Art: There’s Something Here That You Won’t Find in an Urban Museum

Our museum was designed to blend into a national park in Hakone. Here, untouched nature stands side-by-side with handmade creations. The two become one, as time passes in a quiet and dignified manner. And the forest becomes one more gallery.

Rather than being thrust inside, you are enveloped. That is the essence of our collection. You’ll find Monet, Picasso, and Foujita alongside contemporary artists. There are over 10,000 items, including cosmetic utensils and crafts.

The power of art is directly conveyed from each work to each viewer’s unique sensibility. This is accompanied by a resonant curatorial approach. Look, and you are sure to discover something up ahead.

Each time you visit, you’ll find something new at this museum that loves change.

POLA MUSEUM OF ART

ADIRECTOR’S GREETING

A message from Hiroko Noguchi, Director of the Pola Museum of Art.

BHISTORY

Since the company was founded in 1929, Pola has pursued supreme beauty with a focus on personal charm and appearance. The Pola Museum of Art is one of our cultural activities, which will lead to the future generations of beauty and culture. We also provide support for young artists, conduct research studies, and foster international exchange through art.

CVISION

We have all been experiencing unprecedented change in all aspects of our economy, society and life. Under these circumstances it is difficult to speak of the future, what the way should be for the future of art museums. On the occasion of the museum's 20th anniversary in 2022, we have established a new vision for the year 2032. To be a bright hope that illuminates the future,we take a new step forward.

PROFILE

Company name
Pola Museum of Art, Pola Art Foundation
Museum director
Noguchi Hiroko
Classification under the Museum Act
Registered general museum
Type of business
Public interest incorporated foundation
Type of facility
Art museum
Date of opening
September 6, 2002
Address
1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0631 Japan
Tel: 0460-84-2111
Fax: 0460-84-3108
For more information, visit the Pola Foundation website
Pola Art Foundation