Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale

Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is one of the largest art festivals in the world and is held once every three years in the Echigo-Tsumari region since 2000. The Triennale provides an opportunity to present projects and initiatives developed in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field. These projects aim to reveal existing assets of the region using art as a catalyst, rediscover their values, communicate these to the world and find a way to revitalize the region.

An architectural highlight is Periscope / Light Cave by MAD Architects:
Periscope
Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel, one of the must-visit places in Echigo-Tsumari, has been redesigned by MAD Architects who have created a new entrance to refurbished the adjacent facility. The design regards the tunnel as a submarine insulated from the external environment and with the entrance and facility as a periscope overlooking the outside world. This is a reception and cafe space on the ground floor as well as an ashi-yu (footbath) on the upper level. Looking up while taking the footbath, you will see the natural landscape through the periscope. Is the periscope a window, hole or mirror? What question does it ask?

Light Cave
A lookout platform in the middle of 750m-long tunnel presents magnificent scenery, while the panoramic station at the end of the tunnel presents works by MAD Architects. A wondrous view of the inverted landscape of Kiyotsukyo reflected in a pool awaits visitors at the end of the tunnel. 
Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 (last entry by 16:30)