Lalique Museum, Hakone, Art museum in Sengokuhara, Hakone, Japan
The Lalique Museum in Sengokuhara displays roughly 1,500 pieces of glass, jewelry, and decorative objects created by French artist René Lalique across three exhibition spaces. The collection ranges from early jewelry designs to architectural ornaments, showcasing the full scope of his artistic output.
The museum opened in 2005 after being designed by Kajima Corporation and earned the prestigious BCS Prize for its architectural design in 2006. Its establishment reflected a growing interest in Japan for showcasing Western art and design movements.
The collection demonstrates how French Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles shaped the way people viewed glass and jewelry as serious art forms. Walking through the galleries, you notice how these design principles were applied to everyday objects and architectural features that once surrounded people in their homes.
The museum is located roughly 10 minutes on foot from Sengokubara bus stop and opens daily except on the third Thursday of each month. Last admission is at 15:30 and the building closes at 16:00, so plan to arrive with enough time before closing.
The museum houses a café built inside a replica of an Orient Express train car, where visitors can dine while experiencing the luxury train environment. This unusual feature blends the history of the famous route with the visitor experience.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
