21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art first opened in 2004 and is located near the Kenrokuen Garden. It is designed without a main entrance, which allows it to be more unique than the other museums. The distinct circular architecture was to discourage visitors from approaching the museum in one direction. Works from acclaimed contemporary artists in Japan and abroad are displayed throughout the building. The most famous of these works is Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool.” It is a pool that gives the illusion that people are underwater, but there is an entrance below the surface that people can pay to enter through. Another piece of art to take notice of is James Turrell’s “Blue Planet Sky,” which uses the natural light of the outside as a medium. The museum was designed to incorporate the local community. Inside the building there are community gathering spaces like a lecture hall, library, and children’s workshop. The paid area of the museum features temporary exhibits as well as two concurrent works.