Hakone: Home to Picasso’s unbound genius and timeless art

The Hakone Open-Air Museum has always been one of my favorite spots in the area. I could easily spend the entire day walking around and marveling at the harmony of art meeting nature. 

In addition to the outdoor sculptures, the museum also has a number of indoor displays with the Picasso Pavillion being my favorite. In the permanent exhibition called “A Different Picasso”, you will find more than 100 works by the world-renowned Spanish artist that provide insight into his techniques and themes at various points in his life. 

ID 201207234 © Witaya Ratanasirikulchai | Dreamstime.com

Just like the sculptures dotted all across the museum’s lawns are carefully curated and placed, the same goes for Picasso’s works. The official website summarizes it best:

“For this exhibit, works from the Picasso Collection have been divided into 17 themes, creating a free and natural exhibition space unbound by chronology. The Picasso of this exhibit is one who defies definition by a single perspective or specific point in time–Picasso as a continuum transcending time and space. We hope you enjoy a unique experience of this unconventional presentation of Picasso’s works.”

Picasso Pavillion: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/specials/2022/picasso/en

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FZDPiGZ5aUWerVgu9