A museum dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella, opened to mark the author’s centennial and closed after two decades of declining attendance.
At a glance
Located in Sengokuhara, this museum celebrated the literary world of The Little Prince through exhibitions, displays, and cultural programming. It operated for nearly a quarter-century before permanent closure in 2023.
History
The museum opened on June 29, 1999, as part of a worldwide commemorative project celebrating the 100th anniversary of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s birth. It became a destination for fans of the 1943 novella across Japan and internationally.
The museum closed permanently on April 1, 2023. According to statements from the institution, declining visitor numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic and deteriorating building conditions prompted the decision.
Cultural significance
The Little Prince remains one of the world’s most widely read and translated literary works. This museum served as one of the few institutions globally dedicated exclusively to Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece and its cultural legacy.
Key facts
- Country: Japan
- Location: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Opened: June 29, 1999
- Closed: April 1, 2023
- Coordinates: 35.267°N, 139.013°E
Practical information & getting there
The museum is no longer open to the public. Visitors interested in Saint-Exupéry and The Little Prince may wish to consult other biographical resources or international collections dedicated to the author’s work.
Sources & resources
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