Miyanomori International Museum of Art, Sapporo 🇯🇵

Established in April 2006, the Miyanomori Art Museum in Sapporo stands as the main contemporary art museum in Hokkaido, though you should note that it is now closed. When operating, this institution showcased a dynamic selection of pieces from both the international and Japanese contemporary art scenes, establishing itself as a key cultural destination in northern Japan. If you explore its legacy, you will discover an incredible collection focusing on Japanese modern and contemporary art produced from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Art enthusiasts visiting its history will appreciate that the museum housed what it estimated to be the largest collection of works by Christo and Jeanne-Claude across Asia and Oceania. Furthermore, you can learn about its extensive photographic holdings, which feature approximately 3,000 photographs taken by Daidō Moriyama since the 1950s. The museum’s impressive inventory also includes celebrated works by legendary artists such as Lucio Fontana, Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, Yoshishige Saitō, Lee Ufan, Sadamasa Motonaga, Takeo Yamaguchi, Kumi Sugai, and Guillaume Bottazzi.

In fact, Bottazzi created a massive 900-square-meter permanent site-specific artwork right on the museum building during his 2011 exhibition, alongside notable past exhibitions featuring Kenji Yanobe and Chu Enoki.

What to see at Miyanomori International Museum of Art, Sapporo

• Largest collection of Christo and Jeanne-Claude works in Asia and Oceania
• Around 3,000 Daidō Moriyama photographs captured since the 1950s
• Guillaume Bottazzi's 900 m² permanent site-specific artwork on the museum
• Japanese modern and contemporary art from the 1950s to 1970s
• Works by global icons including Frank Stella, Jasper Johns, and Lucio Fontana

Visiting tips

Please keep in mind when planning your Hokkaido itinerary that this museum is now closed.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Miyanomori International Museum of Art, Sapporo is easy to reach on Sapporo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sapporo Clock Tower and Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Sapporo travel guide.