On May 1st, Karuizawa New Art Museum will open a new chapel, "A Windy Forest of Birch and Moss," that blends nature and art. The museum has previously proposed a "New Art Wedding" concept, using its exhibition spaces as venues. The newly opened chapel will be a symbolic space. It is a collaborative project between Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who strives for architecture that is closely connected to the local community and its environment, and artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, who restored the "Water Theater Grove" (Le bosquet du theatre d'eaueau) in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. For this project, Kuma created a transparent chapel that appears to blend in with the earth and trees. Here, the bride and groom will pass through two red and white heart sculptures, "Gates of the Heart," created by Jean, to pledge their eternal love. Regarding the creation of the chapel, Kuma commented, "I want to transcend the separation that architecture inevitably has. My strong desire to transcend the fate of architecture to date has led me to see this chapel not simply as a piece of architecture, but as a kind of message to the world." Meanwhile, Jean commented, "I envision the finished product not as a chapel, but rather as a 'sanctuary.' I want it to be a spiritually open place, where people of all ages, nationalities, and skin colors can get married, and where any kind of marriage is accepted." To commemorate the chapel's opening, an opening reception was held on the first day of the opening, featuring Kuma and Rei Kikukawa, a junior alumna of Kuma's at the University of Tokyo. In addition to the unveiling of the chapel, visitors were also able to tour the adjacent Karuizawa New Art Museum, including its wedding venue and bridal salon.