kengo kuma's undulating polygonal façade clads british antique museum in kamakura, japan

British Antique Museum by Kengo Kuma

Located on the main street of Kamakura, just a minute’s walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Japan, the Kengo Kuma-designed British Antique Museum (BAM) exhibits authentic collectibles from the UK. The building presents an eye-catching façade inspired by the traditional craft of Kamakura-bori, a local lacquerwork technique in which designs are carved in wood and then coated with red or black lacquer. 

the building presents an eye-catching facade inspired by the traditional craft of Kamakura-bori

all images courtesy of BAM Kamakura  

a deep bond between Kamakura and the UK

Kengo Kuma’s design is intended to highlight the deep connection between Kamakura and the United Kingdom. The renowned architect’s concept uses undulating strips of Japanese cypress trees called hinoki to mark the exterior of the building. The result is a striking wooden façade whose projections and recesses form a 3D polygonal pattern.

Inside the museum, visitors can view authentic antiques dating back more than 100 years. The interiors convey the importance of passing on historical items to future generations. Each floor has its own theme and displays pieces from a different era. The museum store is located on the first floor and guests have the opportunity to view an old London cab. The second floor features exhibits from the Georgian era, with the interior featuring a number of Roman-inspired elements, marble floors, and dark green furniture. On the third floor, visitors are immersed in the world of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, while the forth floor presents a bright red room from the Victorian era.

night view of BAM Kamakura

the façade presents a striking 3D polygonal pattern

undulating strips of Japanese cypress mark the exterior of the building

rendering of the museum’s exterior 

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project info: 

name: British Antique Museum (BAM) Kamakura
architect: Kengo Kuma Associates
location: Kamakura, Japan