Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Sapporo
Sapporo's modern art hub, featuring diverse collections, impactful glass art, and captivating special exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art Sapporo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sapporo's modern art hub, featuring diverse collections, impactful glass art, and captivating special exhibitions.
"A peaceful escape with emotionally resonant art and a lovely park view."
Check Special Exhibitions First
Plan your visit around temporary shows like the Sanrio Exhibition or Godzilla for a unique experience.
Enjoy the Park View
Relax with coffee and a view of the park and sky from the second-floor seating area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aoki Mika's 'The Aquarium of Life and Death'
An emotionally resonant glass art installation that left one visitor in tears. A truly unique and moving experience.
Zen Gallery Masterpieces
Explore ancient Japanese art from Zen temples, tracing Buddhist transmission from India to China and Japan.
Art Deco Glassworks
Discover stunning contemporary glass art, a highlight for many visitors seeking modern artistic expression.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Exhibits
Budgeting for Art Appreciation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Special Exhibitions First
Plan your visit around temporary shows like the Sanrio Exhibition or Godzilla for a unique experience.
Enjoy the Park View
Relax with coffee and a view of the park and sky from the second-floor seating area.
Consider Exhibit Value
Admission fees can be high if no special exhibits are on. Assess if the current offerings match your interests.
Explore Glass Art
Don't miss the beautiful glassworks, especially in the new acquisitions area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Special Exhibitions First
Plan your visit around temporary shows like the Sanrio Exhibition or Godzilla for a unique experience.
Enjoy the Park View
Relax with coffee and a view of the park and sky from the second-floor seating area.
Consider Exhibit Value
Admission fees can be high if no special exhibits are on. Assess if the current offerings match your interests.
Explore Glass Art
Don't miss the beautiful glassworks, especially in the new acquisitions area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art for its emotionally resonant installations, particularly glass art, and its well-curated special exhibitions like the Zen Gallery. However, some find the general admission price high if no temporary shows are featured, leading to shorter visits. The park view from the cafe offers a peaceful retreat.
"Have few hours to spare before my flight and this is a great place to check out what’s exhibiting. There’s two exhibitions and I went for zen gallery. Showcasing Japanese art pieces from 14th century zen temples and its lineage to 2,500 years of Buddhism transmission from India to China and then Japan. Really fortunate to be able to see these fine masterpieces. Parking at nearby Big Shine 88 multistory carpark. Museum ticket for the Zen gallery for adult was ¥1,800."
Richard Yong
"One of my favorite art museums of all time. The way it was organized and curated was so open yet with distinctive areas to gravitate toward. I absolutely loved the installation by glass artist Aoki Mika. Couldn’t stop crying while walking through. “The Aquarium of Life and Death”. The best part was the seating area on the second floor where you could buy a coffee and sit in front of the windows overlooking the park and the sky and watch the light move across the buildings and the wind and the snow. And everyone else is sitting quietly doing the same. A very affordable and unique afternoon."
Jess Semeraro
"The show, master artist Kunioshi, was great but from the 1800’s. Hardly modern art. Other show on artist books/folios was modern in the sense of French impressionists and rather poor selection of printed material though interesting from an historical perspective. They had some beautiful glass works in the new Aquisitions area. Need to show more of that."
Lee Day
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible via public transport. You can take a bus or subway to stations near Odori Park or Maruyama Park, followed by a short walk. Parking is available at the nearby Big Shine 88 multistory carpark.
Yes, it's located in Sapporo, a city with many attractions like Odori Park, Maruyama Park, and various food spots.
Sapporo has a good public transportation system, including subways and buses, making it easy to reach the museum from different parts of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around 510 yen, but special exhibitions can cost more, with some ticket prices reaching ¥1,800 for specific shows like the Zen gallery.
Yes, special exhibitions often have separate admission fees, which can be higher than the general entry fee.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available, but it's recommended to check the official museum website or inquire upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's best to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Special exhibitions, like the Sanrio or Godzilla shows, tend to attract more visitors, so expect higher crowd levels during these times.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, glassworks, and special exhibitions that have included everything from Zen Buddhist art to Sanrio characters.
While not explicitly interactive in a digital sense, installations like Aoki Mika's 'The Aquarium of Life and Death' offer a deeply engaging and emotional experience.
The Zen Gallery showcases Japanese art pieces from 14th-century Zen temples, illustrating the lineage and transmission of Buddhism.
Yes, there is a seating area on the second floor where you can purchase coffee and enjoy the view of the park.
Some visitors report finishing their visit in less than 30 minutes if there are no special exhibits, while others spend longer appreciating specific installations and the park view. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's advisable to check for signage or ask museum staff regarding restrictions, especially for special exhibits.
The park view from the second-floor cafe area offers a serene backdrop. Installations like Aoki Mika's glass art are also visually striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Art Enthusiasts on a Budget
Those Seeking Tranquility
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Art Collections
When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the museum's schedule for current and upcoming exhibitions. These can significantly enhance your experience, offering unique perspectives and artistic expressions. Some visitors have noted that without special exhibits, the museum might feel less extensive, so aligning your visit with a compelling temporary show can be beneficial.
Beyond the indoor galleries, the museum offers a tranquil atmosphere. The second-floor seating area provides a peaceful spot to relax with a coffee while overlooking the surrounding park, allowing for a moment of contemplation amidst your artistic exploration.
Visitor Experiences and Value
However, some visitors have expressed concerns about the cost-performance ratio, particularly when visiting without special exhibitions. The general admission fee has been noted as potentially high for the number of exhibits available, with some visits concluding in under 30 minutes.
Despite these considerations, the museum offers a unique cultural experience. The opportunity to see moving sculptures
and engage with art that spans centuries and styles makes it a worthwhile stop for art enthusiasts, especially when a particularly captivating exhibition is on display. 
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