Moerenuma Park モエレ沼公園
The sculpture of the earth
A perfect fusion of exceptional Hokkaido nature and design, Moerenuma Park, on the outskirts of Sapporo, is the posthumous work of Japanese-American sculptor and designer, Isamu Noguchi.
earthworks
The city of Sapporo owes the bold design of its urban park to Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) , one of the most versatile artists of the 20th century. Noguchi has distinguished himself in many fields of art and design, exploring sometimes diametrically opposed ideas and styles. In his visionary conception of the 188 hectare park , Noguchi realizes an environmental project using vast land and natural elements and becomes an " earth sculptor ". The term " earthworks " is thus used to designate its various gardens and gigantic environmental projects. Using only simple but skilfully ordered geometric shapes, Noguchi imagined a new style urban park in the service of the splendor of Hokkaido's landscapes .
To read: The Isamu Noguchi Museum
An ancient will
The idea of a park on the outskirts of Sapporo germinated in the minds of local authorities in 1977 . They thus plan to transform a waste disposal site into a vast green space. The artist Isamu Noguchi was not involved in the project until 1988, whereas the foundation works had already begun six years earlier. Nevertheless, Noguchi completed the master plan for the future park in November 1988 and died the following month of heart failure in New York. Work following the designer's work began the following year and a small part of the park opened to the public in 1998. Moerenuma Park was not completed and inaugurated until 2005 . Exploring the different areas is a unique experience. Ready for a little ride?
Other parks in Sapporo:
The park's glass pyramid
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- Hidamari
The glass pyramid, Hidamari , is the central installation. Bathed in light, its atrium is a vast unparalleled observation space for those who want to relax and enjoy the view overlooking the park. The pyramid houses a gallery showcasing Noguchi's work, a multipurpose space for cultural activities, a restaurant, and a shop . It is the cocoon of softness for visitors who come to enjoy the park in the middle of winter.
- The Fountain of the Sea
The fountain of the sea measuring 48 meters in circumference is reminiscent of the crater of a volcano . Noguchi is making a water sculpture here that marks his deep taste for fountains, which he studied with attention all his life for the feeling of life they breathe. The jets of the fountain of the sea can reach 25 meters in height. On certain occasions, at nightfall, sounds and lights embellish the show.
Open from April 29 to October 20.
The crater-shaped fountain
Kentaro Ohno
- The cherry forest
The cherry forest, to the east of the park, is a vast playground made up of seven areas, all of which are interconnected by small paths. The children run from one to the other and take full advantage of the games designed like real sculptures by Noguchi.
- Moere beach
Moere Beach is a very shallow pond surrounded by walking paths and paved with coral. A system sets the water in motion and produces slight ripples. A must for children in the middle of summer!
Open from June 13 to September 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Thursday.
Moerenuma Park
http://moerenumapark.jp
Play areas for children
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A very pleasant pond in the middle of summer!
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- Mount Moere
The verdant hill of Mount Moere is emblematic of the park. Its summit is accessible by five distinct paths. The view offered from its heights is splendid . You take in the entire park and the entire city of Sapporo with a single glance. During the winter, this hill is the favorite playground for ski and toboggan enthusiasts , a treat for young and old alike!
- play mountain
Accessible by a granite slope reminiscent of ancient ruins, the 30-meter-high Play Mountain allows you to enjoy the scenery.
Mount Moere
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Winter Fun at Moerenuma Park
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- Tetra Mound
The Tetra Mound, a triangular-shaped sculpture culminating at 13 mothers in height , consists of steel columns under which is placed a small mound of grass. The forms of Isamu Noguchi's work are simple but powerfully expressive.
- Aqua Plaza
The gushing water from the Aqua Plazza fountain flows through a 150 meter long channel . Visitors can soak their feet in it.
The purity of forms by Isamu Noguchi
http://moerenumapark.jp
Isamu Noguchi's last workshop has been converted into a museum
Noguchi Museum
- Music Shell
The Music Shell stage, a hemispherical structure 15 meters in diameter , hosts shows and concerts .
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 (0)11-790-1231Timetable
Kanjodori-Higashi Station (Toho Line), then bus 69 or 79 to Moerunuma-koen higashi-guchi stopPrice
FreeAccess
Open all year round from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Website
http://moerenumapark.jp/english/
