Visit a New Attraction! Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art – A Spring Stroll Savoring Osaka's Art

📍 Osaka · 👁 1446 reads

After 40 years of preparation from the initial planning stage, the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art finally opened to the public in February this year. Since its opening, it has been generating buzz as a new landmark of Osaka, the city of water. In fact, the Nakanoshima area is also home to other captivating spots such as museums and historic architecture! Come take a stroll and enjoy the scenery.

● Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art

Charm 1: The Black Cube and the Lucky "Ship's Cat"

When it comes to the distinctive feature of the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, it is undoubtedly its black box-like exterior. Common museums are often historic buildings or, more recently, glass-curtain-wall structures, but this museum's design makes it stand out even among the buildings of Nakanoshima.

Nakanoshima Museum of Art and cat artwork

At the entrance, contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe's "SHIP'S CAT" greets every visitor. Inspired by the "ship's cat" that accompanied sailors as a guardian deity during the Age of Exploration, it is said to evoke the atmosphere of the Edo period when various domains' kurayashiki (official warehouses and trading posts) lined the area, with ships coming and going.

Charm 2: Over 6,000 Works in the Collection! Unrivaled Scale of the Collection

Just knowing it took 40 years from planning can tell you that the collection size is not to be underestimated. From modern masterpieces by Yuzo Saeki and Amedeo Modigliani to modern and contemporary works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha, the museum houses over 6,000 representative works of art from Japan and abroad. Some works have reportedly increased more than tenfold in valuation since their purchase. The most eye-catching among them is Modigliani's "Reclining Nude with Hair Loose." In 1989, the city of Osaka won the bid for it at 1.93 billion yen, setting a record for the highest amount ever paid by a local government for an artwork and sparking much discussion. It is now estimated to be worth over 20 billion yen.

Amedeo Modigliani, "Reclining Nude with Hair Loose"

1917, Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art

In the opening commemorative special exhibition, running until Monday, July 18 (national holiday), about 40 works are on display, including "Reclining Nude with Hair Loose" and the globally debut "Portrait of a Young Girl." Don't miss the 35-year trajectory of this representative artist of the School of Paris!

Amedeo Modigliani, "Portrait of a Young Girl"

Around 1915, Greta Garbo Family Collection

Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art Opening Commemorative Special Exhibition

"Modigliani – 35 Years Devoted to Love and Creation"

April 9 (Sat) – July 18 (Mon, national holiday), 2022

*Closed on Mondays (except May 2 and July 18)

For details, see the event calendar.

● National Museum of Art, Osaka

Charm 1: A Rare Fully Underground Museum

Next up is the National Museum of Art, Osaka, adjacent to the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art. This museum first opened in 1977, then relocated to its current address and reopened as a fully underground museum in 2004. Its collection includes over 8,000 modern and contemporary artworks from Japan and abroad, including works by Tadanori Yokoo, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Cézanne.

Exterior of the National Museum of Art, Osaka

Its silvery, avant-garde facade, designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, is said to symbolize "the vitality of bamboo and the development and growth of modern art." Pelli has also designed many skyscrapers and is well-known for his involvement in Osaka's Abeno Harukas. The building is three stories underground, but it skillfully utilizes sunlight to create a surprisingly bright space.

Charm 2: Special Exhibitions by Internationally Acclaimed Contemporary Artists

Realms of Sensation: "Experiencing" the Present

[Reference plate] Kōdai Nakahara, Text Book

Realms of Sensation: "Experiencing" the Present

February 8 (Tue) – May 22 (Sun), 2022

Closed on Mondays (except May 2)

● Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library

Charm 1: A Neoclassical Masterpiece That Captivates Audiences

Nakanoshima is a treasure trove of modern architecture, and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, built in 1904, is one of them. Its exterior is based on the Renaissance style, while the interior is predominantly Baroque. In 1974, it was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The Greek temple-like exterior of Nakanoshima Library

Inside, the curved dome of the central hall is a stunning sight. The stained-glass ceiling and heavy wooden staircase make you feel as if you've stepped into a European church... Western staircases and corridors often use marble, but here, wood has been used to emphasize a uniquely Japanese touch.

Beautiful stained glass on the dome

The grand staircase blending Gothic style with Japanese charm

Charm 2: Stylish Nordic Café "smørrebrød kitchen nakanoshima"

Smørrebrød is a Danish home-style dish of open-faced sandwiches made with rye bread topped with seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients. It's surprising that one of the few specialty shops in Japan is located inside this library. The warmth of the wood and the greenery create a charmingly relaxing space, perfect for a rest during a walk. I ordered a dessert smørrebrød and a seasonal strawberry drink. Smørrebrød also offers takeout, so it's also recommended to buy some and enjoy a picnic at nearby Nakanoshima Park.

Western Japan's first Smørrebrød café

● Must-See! Recommended Spots

DAIBIRU Main Building

Completed in 1925 (Taisho 14) as the "Former DAIBIRU Main Building" in a Romanesque architectural style, after partial restoration, it was redeveloped into its current form in 2013. The mailbox inside the building dates from its completion. The building now houses restaurants and cafés, bustling with people at lunchtime.

Vintage private mailbox

Bank of Japan, Osaka Branch (Old Building)

The Bank of Japan Osaka Branch designed by Kingo Tatsuno

Built in 1903 (Meiji 36). The old building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the foremost figure in Meiji architecture, who also designed the red-brick Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station.

Kodomo no Hon no Mori Nakanoshima (Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima)

Kodomo no Hon no Mori designed by Tadao Ando

Designed by architect Tadao Ando. The interior requires advance reservations, but the green apple sculpture in the entrance lobby can be freely viewed. The green apple is said to embody the wish to always maintain one's "youth (= the yet-unripe green apple)."

The green apple sculpture at Kodomo no Hon no Mori

The weather this season is pleasant for a stroll. During Golden Week, we invite you to explore the charming Nakanoshima area and discover the appeal of architecture, art, and cuisine!

▼▼ Recommended articles to read together: Click here

"Beautiful Osaka Spots You Can Reach via Osaka Metro: Retro Architecture Edition"

▼ For more information, see the comment section below.

Travelogue Table of Contents

1, ● Art-filled Osaka · Nakanoshima Area Travel Information

Hotels Index

Guides Index

Flight Tickets Index

Website Navigation

Travel Index

Cruise Index

Corporate Travel Index