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Toyama City Glass Museum

富山県

4.2

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Natural light pours into the wooden atrium of the art museum.

The Toyama City Glass Museum is an attractive museum with a loop made of Toyama Prefecture materials that continues from the second to the sixth floor. About 50 works by glass artists associated with Toyama Prefecture are on display. The colorful and sparkling world is like being lost in a kaleidoscope.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Kengo Kuma's Dazzling Building Design

The TOYAMA Kirari building is incredibly unique. It was designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who is also known for designing the "New National Stadium" used as the main stadium for the Tokyo Olympics. Even from a distance, its appearance stands out as a uniquely artistic structure. According to the official website, its appearance is like a combination of the ice veins of Tateyama and glass art. The sparkling reflection is not just glass, but a combination of Ishi-no-ma, glass, and aluminum, which are famous materials from Toyama, creating a different shine depending on the angle.

Point 2

A Space Filled with the Warmth and Light of Wood

Despite its futuristic appearance, upon entering the building, you will find a space surrounded by intricately arranged wood. The space has an overwhelming presence of wood while being filled with light, creating an open atmosphere. It truly feels like a different world. As you ride the escalator that blends in mysteriously with the trees, looking down from above, the floors appear spiral, leaving a different impression. Before viewing the glass art pieces, be sure to appreciate this enormous work of art that is the building itself.

Point 3

Enchanting Glass Art Garden

The Glass Art Garden is a permanent exhibition held on the 6th floor. Five works by the contemporary glass artist Dale Chihuly are on display. Chihuly was the first American to be designated a living national treasure in 1992. The glass art he created for the Toyama Glass Museum is exhibited as "installation works," which means that the entire space is a work of art and the audience can experience the artist's worldview. Please come and experience the highest level of glass art.

Point 4

Diverse Exhibits: Glass Art Basage

Glass Art Basage is an art installation located in the public spaces on the second to fourth floors. The exhibit features a rhythmic display where you can appreciate the art as if walking through an alleyway. You can enjoy the unique works of art created by artists from Toyama all at once. The works are regularly changed, so please check the official website for updates.

Point 5

A Museum Shop Where You Can Find Special Items

On the sunny second floor, there is a museum shop. There, you can find a collection of Dale Chihuly's works, postcards, and many other items that are only available at the Toyama Glass Art Museum. You might find the perfect souvenir or gift with good taste. Especially, the glass goods made by Toyama artists are very delicate and warm. It's also a good idea to purchase them as a memento of your trip or for your own home.

Point 6

Elegant Moments at a Cafe Filled with Light

If you have some extra time, we highly recommend visiting the cafe on the second floor, "FUMUROYA CAFE TOYAMA Kirari Branch." Actually, this shop is an outpost of the long-established shop "Kaga Fu Fumuroya" in the neighboring city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. The sweets, such as French toast and cakes made with wheat gluten, are beautifully arranged on the plate like works of art. You can also enjoy a meal, so it's a great place to have a leisurely lunch in a lovely space.

Point 7

Happy Time Surrounded by Books

On the 3rd to 5th floors, opposite the art museum, is the library. As the main library of Toyama City, it has a wide variety of books. There are users who choose books or study, spending their time as they please. The atmosphere is so quiet that you forget it's attached to the art museum, and it creates a strange feeling. Unlike typical libraries, there is no sense of confinement here. The unique space designed by Kengo Kuma and the rows of books match perfectly. It's a cozy place that book lovers will adore.

Parking

Use Nearby Parking Lots

Unfortunately, the Glass Museum does not have its own parking lot, nor are there any discounted parking lots available. If you come by car, you will need to use nearby multi-level parking lots or coin-operated parking lots. The most convenient one is the multi-level parking lot "Chu-geki Nishimachi Parking" right next to the museum. The hourly rate is about average, with a maximum fee of 500 yen on weekdays and 600 yen on weekends and holidays, making it suitable for sightseeing in the area. The "Grand Parking" connected to the department store "Yamato" across the road is a bit expensive, with a rate of 100 yen for 30 minutes on weekdays and 100 yen for 20 minutes on weekends and holidays, but there is no maximum fee. However, if you spend over 2,000 yen at Yamato, you can get 2 hours of free parking, so it may be a good deal if you have some shopping to do there. There are also many coin-operated parking lots, and they tend to be cheaper the further away they are from the center of Nishimachi. In any case, since it's in the city, it's rare to have nowhere to park, but it's a good idea to check the surrounding parking lot information before you go out.

Fee

Permanent Exhibits are 200 yen for Adults, Free for High School Students and Below

The Toyama Glass Art Museum is located within the complex facility "TOYAMA Kirari," which includes a library and cafe. Admission to Kirari is free, so you can freely explore the library and shops. The space of the Glass Art Museum is not very large, and admission is required to view the permanent exhibits, which costs 200 yen for adults and university students, but high school students and below can enter for free. Admission fees for special exhibitions are separate.

Required time

Permanent exhibition takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour

Although the inside of the building is spacious, it gives the impression of using more space for a library than for a glass art museum. The permanent exhibition of the glass art museum is located on floors 4 to 6, while the special exhibitions are held on floors 2 to 3. If you only visit the permanent exhibition, it will take an average of about 30 minutes, and even if you take your time, it will probably take about an hour. The length of time for special exhibitions varies depending on the content and how crowded it is, but on average it's about an hour or less. In total, it's recommended to plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. In addition to the art museum, there are many other things to see in Kirari, so your stay time will be extended if you go shopping or have lunch. Please enjoy your time here at a leisurely pace.

Basic Information

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