Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

The 21st Century Museum is a great public space to enjoy, even without going into the paid exhibitions. There are plenty of free areas to explore and lots of good photo spots. My kids especially loved the green open space around the museum where they could run and play. Inside, there are art workshops for children, and the staff are very friendly and helpful with the handmade activities. It makes the place welcoming for families. The famous swimming pool artwork is currently closed until September 19, so plan accordingly if you want to see it. Still, the museum and its surroundings are worth visiting for both art and relaxation.

The world renowned pool piece! Extra modern architecture design! Intriguing exhibitions! Extremely close to downtown! What other can you ask for? The pool piece itself needs a few hours of waiting, but we managed to get back after went back to hotel for some rest.

I visited when the main and special exhibition - as a student this only cost ¥800 which is quite affordable for an art gallery! I found the exhibitions engaging and I appreciated the information on each artist featured. As it was raining, the swimming pool was unfortunately closed. One thing I must note is that the layout of the museum is quite confusing - there isn’t a set route and I found it difficult to figure out how to access some areas, even when using the map. I’m sure there are some sections I may have missed. But overall, I really enjoyed the art, especially those featuring local artists of Japan!

Amazing museum. The building is spectacular and can alone justify a visit. Exhibitions will of course vary but the swimming pool is really cool. Advance booking (free) via museum website is needed to visit the swimming pool. There is a discount if you buy tickets in advance. The public area is local arts and craft. Museum shop is smaller than many other museums.

Found myself there during golden week, and it was more crowded than I expected, but the art-viewing experience was still fairly comfortable. The gift store however was bursting at its seams. For the entrance fee of 1200 yen, I thought it was a little underwhelming. Yes there were big names like anish kapoor and James turrell, but the selected works weren't particularly inspiring. Also, I didn't realise you had to register in advance to enter the swimming pool by Leandro Erlich - and of course it was fully registered. The outdoor area did have several public artworks which seemed to be a hit with children.

Very cool, only criticism is I wish it was bigger, for the price it's a little steep. We didn't need tickets in advance, the only thing we waited for was the pool exhibit. There were so many instructions it became almost confusing.

Modern art, photography and classical art exhibition in one dome. Access the pool attraction requires a reservation in advance along with your ticket and a ~20 minute wait if you book in time. There is parking available on site. There is also a cafe serving local noto beef, western and Japanese delicacies. And top off with a garden.

We’ve visited the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa twice — once in 2019 and again in 2025 with our young kids — and both times, it left a lasting impression. The space is bright, airy, and beautifully curated, with a mix of rotating exhibitions that felt surprisingly engaging for children. On our most recent visit in winter, there was a seasonal exhibit featuring arts and crafts made by Japanese children, and our daughters were completely absorbed — the colors and themes really spoke to them. It’s not a “kids museum,” but it is kid-friendly in the best way: calm, open, and welcoming to quiet curiosity. One thing to note is that The Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich — the museum’s most famous installation — now requires an online reservation. In 2019, we could enter freely, but in 2025 it was fully booked within minutes of the 9:00 AM release. If it’s on your list, make sure to book through the museum website the morning of your visit. The museum shop is also worth a stop, with lots of unique art-inspired souvenirs that our kids genuinely enjoyed browsing. It’s a wonderful indoor break, especially in colder seasons. The museum is stroller-accessible, quiet, and has a gentle, spacious layout that works well for toddlers. There’s no playroom or specific kids zone, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the exhibits rotate often — some may be more child-friendly than others. Elevators and wide walkways are available, and there’s plenty of space for strollers or wheelchairs. If The Swimming Pool is a priority, don’t forget to reserve it early — it books up quickly. A thoughtful and inspiring stop in Kanazawa, especially if you need a cultural break that still works with little ones.