The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu
The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu is a wonderful escape from the fast paced city life.
The museum’s grounds are simply beautiful and the breathtaking garden is a maze of splendid beauty.
The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu is the only museum in the state of Hawaii that is exclusively dedicated to contemporary art.
Since 1940, The Contemporary Museum has preserved and and maintained the historic Cooke-Spalding, Cooke-Petersen, and Cooke-Johnson residences. In addition, it features the surrounding gardens for the enjoyment of both residents of and visitors to Oahu, Hawaii.
The structure that houses The Contemporary Museum was first built as a private residence back in 1925 by Mrs. Charles Montague Cooke.
The property is hidden in Makiki Heights, and has changed ownership several time over the years. It is clearly one of the most beautiful homes on the island of Oahu.
In the late 1970s, the property was acquired by a subsidiary of The Honolulu Advertiser and in 1986, the Twigg-Smith family offered up the site for The Contemporary Museum.
Almost half of the The Contemporary Museum’s collection is by the Hawaii Island’s own regional artists.
The Contemporary Museum holds almost 3,000 works of art that include painting, sculptures, photographs, works on paper, and a variety of fine crafts such as ceramics, glass, wood, metal and even fiber.
Another little secret is the Contemporary Cafe which is also found on the museum’s grounds. Choose form a variety of delicious foods such as salads, wraps and sandwiches.
For a real treat, try their “picnic” lunch for 2. The Contemporary Cafe meal is available in a beautifully packaged basket, and also comes with lauhala mats. Stroll the museum’s grounds and find that perfect location to enjoy your garden lunch.
Admission to the The Contemporary Museum is only $8 for adults. For Seniors (62+) & Students (13+) w/ valid ID, admission is only $6. Sometimes their web site offers occasional “free” admission days.
To find additional information about the The Contemporary Museum, please call (808) 523-3362 or visit: http://www.tcmhi.org
The Contemporary Museum
2411 Makiki Heights Drive
Honolulu, HI 96822
