Toyama Kirari, Glass art museum and library complex in Nishichō, Japan
Toyama Kirari is a ten-story building with one basement level that houses a glass art museum, public library, and banking facilities under one roof. The different functions share the same space, making it a place where art viewing, learning, and daily services come together.
The project was designed by architect Kengo Kuma and officially opened in June 2015. Its creation marked an important moment for the city's cultural and public infrastructure development.
The museum displays glass artworks from around the world and connects them with Japanese craftsmanship traditions. Visitors can observe how different artistic approaches come together through this shared material.
The space is easy to navigate, with multiple entrances serving different sections of the building. Visitors can explore the museum areas without passing through other facilities if they wish to focus only on the art collections.
The building features a diagonal central void lined with local cedar panels that channels natural light deep into the interior. This design element creates a changing light environment throughout the day that adds another dimension to viewing the artworks.
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