As well as the art of making glass using ancient Italian techniques, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is a model of charm and elegance. The entire complex, which includes two galleries, a restaurant, a gift store, will be a wonderful place to relax and unwind among the beautiful nature and magnificent exhibits.

The heart of the museum is the exhibition space, featuring classic examples of Venetian glass of the 15th-19th centuries. A walk through the cozy rooms with high vaulted ceilings, colorful intricate stained glass windows, and hidden niches in the showcases is like a little trip through Italy itself. Another room of the museum is devoted to displaying modern works of art made of Venetian glass. Unlike traditional models, which were created according to certain canons, today's masters give free rein to their imagination and create original objects of all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors.

In addition to Venetian glass, the museum has a small collection of carnival masks and costumesю Their bright colors and colorful styles convey all facets of the festive atmosphere of the famous medieval festivities. The most adventurous and fun visitors can even rent costumes in the same style to do a thematic photoshoot and imagine themselves not only in another country but also in another era.

In total, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum has about 500 pieces in its collection. It is based on the personal collection of Sadao Ukai, the owner of the eponymous chain of upscale restaurants in Japan, who is a passionate fan and connoisseur of the art of Venetian masters. Due to the small size of the museum, only 100 pieces are on display in its showcases, but they are regularly updated to gradually introduce gallery guests to the entire collection.

If you're inspired by the works you see, visit the art studio in the museum, where you can create memorable souvenirs of Venetian glass with your own hands. Or go to the store, where they sell ready-made items. Its rich assortment will impress you just as much as the exhibits in the museum.