The Contemporary Museum on top of Makiki Heights

The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu is Hawaii’s only museum that is devoted exclusively to contemporary art. This venue gives the public the opportunity to enjoy and experience art through exhibition, interaction with the artists and educational programs. Since its opening in 1988, TCM's collection has grown to more than 3,000 works by contemporary artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs and works on paper. TCM not only preserves art but also maintains and preserves the historic Cooke-Spalding house and residences where TCM is located. I have previously talked about the other TCM located in the First Hawaiian Center in downtown Honolulu. The TCM located at 2411 Makiki Heights Drive is very different. The residential area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a majestic view of downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head. It is thoroughly breathtaking.

TCM has a restaurant called The Contemporary Café that is open only for lunch every day except Monday. The setting is very quaint and the food is delicious.

There is also The Museum Shop, a gift shop full of wonderful arts and crafts.

You must take a walk in their gardens. Called Nu’umealani (Heavenly Terraces), the gardens are on Cooke-Spalding’s five acre estate and are considered among the most beautiful in the islands. There are sculpture and meditation gardens designed to serve as a retreat for meditation and as a special place to experience the power and harmony of nature.

A special Japanese stroll garden was designed by Reverend Inagaki, a minister bound in a wheelchair. The landscape designed is based on shizen (nature) using rocks and stone pathways blending harmoniously with the natural beauty of the land.

Visit The Contemporary Museum in Makiki Heights. Try to go when the guided tours are scheduled. The knowledgeable docents will explain the current art exhibits and you might also have an opportunity to talk to the artist-in-residence about their works on display. It's a very nice way to spend lunch and the afternoon.