From Takanawa to Karuizawa
The Origins of the Museum
The museum’s history dates back to 1962, when Yasujirō Tsutsumi, founder of the Seibu Group, established the Takanawa Museum of Art inside the Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo’s Minato Ward.
The original museum was created to preserve and publicly display works from Tsutsumi’s personal art collection. During the 1970s and 1980s, his eldest son, Seiji Tsutsumi, who played a central role in the Saison Group, encouraged the cultural division of Seibu Department Stores to actively collect modern and contemporary art.
The collection gradually expanded, particularly with works by European and American artists. As the collection grew, the need emerged for a dedicated facility capable of presenting these works on a permanent basis.
A New Beginning in Karuizawa
In 1981, the museum moved to a newly constructed building in Karuizawa and reopened as the Sezon Museum of Modern Art. Its opening reception attracted considerable attention both in Japan and overseas, with guests including the wife of the renowned artist Marcel Duchamp and the composer and artist John Cage.
In 1991, the museum adopted its present name and continued developing its role as a center for modern and contemporary art.
When the Saison Museum of Art in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, closed in 1999, part of its collection was transferred to the Sezon Museum of Modern Art, where the works have been preserved and exhibited.
Architecture in Harmony with Nature
The museum was designed around the concept of experiencing art while breathing with the forest of Karuizawa. Rather than standing apart from its surroundings, the architecture is intended to coexist naturally with the landscape.
The low-profile building evokes the understated elegance of traditional sukiya-style architecture, creating a gentle transition between the museum and the surrounding woodland. The architecture itself forms an important part of the visitor experience.
A Collection of International Modern Art
Encounter Works by World-Renowned Artists
The museum’s collection includes numerous works by major figures in modern and contemporary art. Among the artists represented are Wassily Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract painting; Paul Klee, known for his poetic colors and distinctive compositions; and Jackson Pollock, one of the leading figures of action painting.
The collection also includes works by Mark Rothko, whose paintings explore the depth and spirituality of color fields; Anselm Kiefer, whose powerful works address themes of history and memory; and Francesco Clemente, a leading figure associated with the Transavanguardia movement.
These works are presented not simply as individual objects but within a broader context that encourages visitors to consider the artists’ ideas, backgrounds, and approaches to art.
A Museum Where Art and Nature Meet
The Sculpture Garden
One of the museum’s distinctive features is its garden and outdoor sculpture area. Designed based on a concept by the sculptor Isamu Wakabayashi, the garden forms a walking landscape where visitors can explore art while surrounded by trees and flowing water.
A small stream winds through the greenery, creating a soothing natural soundtrack as visitors walk among sculptures placed throughout the grounds. The outdoor collection includes works associated with artists such as Isamu Noguchi, Kan Yasuda, and Bukichi Inoue.
A total of 16 sculptures are integrated into the garden. Surrounded by trees, water, and changing seasonal light, the works take on a different character from sculptures displayed in a conventional gallery.
Museum Shop and Café
Museum Shop
The museum shop offers a selection of art books, exhibition catalogues, and museum-related goods. It is a convenient place to find a special souvenir inspired by the art and culture encountered during a visit.
Café Yamaarashi
Café Yamaarashi is a museum café and library where visitors can relax while looking out over the Karuizawa landscape. In addition to drinks and refreshments, the space provides access to art-related books and exhibition catalogues.
The combination of a quiet café, books, and views of the surrounding greenery makes it an inviting place to slow down and continue exploring the ideas encountered in the museum.
Long-Term Renovation and the Future
More than 40 years after opening in Karuizawa, the museum began a major renovation project to address the aging of its facilities. According to the information provided for the museum, it entered a long-term closure beginning on November 1, 2023, with renovation work scheduled through April 2026.
The renovation is intended to create an improved environment for displaying and experiencing art. Following its renewal, the museum is expected to continue its role as a place where contemporary art and the natural environment of Karuizawa can be experienced together.
A Quiet Encounter with Art in Karuizawa
The Sezon Museum of Modern Art offers an experience that goes beyond viewing artworks in a traditional gallery. Here, contemporary art is surrounded by forests, gardens, water, and the changing atmosphere of the Karuizawa seasons.
For visitors interested in modern art, sculpture, architecture, and nature, the museum provides a distinctive cultural experience. Rather than rushing from one artwork to another, visitors can take time to walk through the garden, listen to the stream, and appreciate how art and nature interact.
Its history, international collection, distinctive architecture, and forest setting make the museum an important part of Karuizawa’s cultural landscape and a memorable destination for travelers seeking a quieter side of contemporary art.