The Hakone Open-Air Museum is hosting "Hakone Night Museum," an illumination event by Kyota Takahashi that makes use of the outdoor exhibition space and outdoor sculptures, until January 8, 2018.

Takahashi Kyota 《Glow with Night Garden Project in Hakone》 / Photography: Murakami Mitu
Takahashi Kyota, who skillfully manipulates lighting and video to explore the possibilities of light, is an artist active in a wide range of fields, from the snow art project "Gift for Frozen Village" held annually in Echigo-Tsumari since 2011, and the participatory light-up "Hikari no Mi," to commissioned work for the Towada Art Center (2008) and the Wacoal New Kyoto Building (2016).

The Hakone Open-Air Museum will be developing a plan that combines three elements: a circular plaza, a sculpture garden, and lanterns. In the circular plaza just inside the museum, a mystical scene emerges as lights of various colors sparkle. The light spreads from its source in the circular plaza to the scattered sculptures and is scattered throughout the garden. Visitors can walk around the sculpture garden holding a mysterious lantern, designed by Kyota Takahashi, whose light color changes with each area. The lantern's light changes in response to the color of the illumination of the sculptures they encounter in the 10 illuminated areas. The lighting and the lanterns designed by Kyota Takahashi not only create a space completely different from the outdoor museum during the day, but also create a once-in-a-lifetime night view that can only be completed with the participation of visitors. This is an unprecedented, experiential light-up event that is also art.

Illustration of Takahashi Kyota's "Glow with Night Garden Project in Hakone"

In conjunction with the event, the usual closing time of 5pm will be extended until 6pm in the illuminated area during the event.