Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art: A Spring Stroll Through Osaka’s Art

📍 Osaka · 👁 1333 reads

After 40 years of preparation from the planning stage, the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art finally opened its doors last February.

Since its opening, it has been a hot topic as a new landmark of Osaka, the Water City. In fact, the Nakanoshima area is also home to art museums, historic buildings, and many other fascinating sights! Let’s take a stroll and enjoy the beauty here.

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’s definitely the appearance resembling a black box. Common museums are often housed in historic buildings or, more recently, glass-walled structures, but the design of this museum makes it stand out even among the buildings of Nakanoshima.

At the entrance, a “SHIP’S CAT” by contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe welcomes every visitor.

The design is inspired by the “ship’s cat” from the Age of Exploration, which sailors brought aboard as a guardian. It is said to evoke the atmosphere of the Edo period, when storehouses (official warehouses and trading posts) of various domains lined the area and ships came and went.

Charm 2: Over 6,000 Works! An Unrivaled Collection Scale

Just from the 40-year preparation period, you can tell that the collection is nothing to scoff at.

From modern masterpieces by Yuzo Saeki and Modigliani to modern and contemporary works by Toulouse-Lautrec and Mucha, the collection comprises over 6,000 representative works from Japan and abroad. Some works have seen their appraised value increase more than tenfold since purchase, and the most notable is Modigliani’s “Reclining Nude with Hair Down.”

In 1989, Osaka City won the bid for it at 1.93 billion yen, setting a record for the highest amount paid by a local government for an artwork and sparking discussion. Now, it is reportedly valued at over 20 billion yen.

Charm 3: A Rare Fully Underground Museum in the World

Next, let me introduce the National Museum of Art, Osaka, which is adjacent to the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art.

The museum first opened in 1977 and moved to its current location in 2004, reopening as a fully underground museum. It houses over 8,000 modern and contemporary works from Japan and abroad, including pieces by Tadanori Yokoo, Yayoi Kusama, Picasso, and Cézanne.

The silver, avant-garde exterior was designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, who said it symbolizes “the vitality of bamboo and the development and growth of modern art.”

He has also designed many skyscrapers and is well known for his involvement in the Abeno Harukas project in Osaka. The building has three underground floors, but it cleverly uses sunlight to create a surprisingly bright space.

Charm 1: A Neoclassical Masterpiece That Captivates Visitors

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

Upon entering, the curved dome of the central hall catches the eye. The stained-glass ceiling and the grand staircase with a sense of weight make one feel as if in a church abroad… In Western buildings, staircases and corridors often use marble, but here, wood is used to emphasize a uniquely Japanese aesthetic.

A grand staircase blending Gothic style with Japanese charm

Charm 2: Trendy Nordic Café “smørrebrød kitchen nakanoshima”

Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) is a Danish home-style dish made by placing fish, seafood, or vegetables on rye bread.

Unexpectedly, the library houses one of Japan’s few specialty shops. The warmth of the wood and the greenery create an inviting healing space, perfect for a break during a stroll.

I ordered a dessert open-faced sandwich and a seasonal strawberry drink. Smørrebrød also offers takeout, so I recommend buying some to enjoy a picnic at nearby Nakanoshima Park.

Daibiru Main Building

Completed in 1925 (Taisho 14), the original Daibiru Main Building was partially restored and redeveloped into its current form in 2013. The mailbox inside dates from the time of completion. The building also houses restaurants and cafés, bustling with people during lunchtime.

Bank of Japan Osaka Branch (Old Building)

Built in 1903 (Meiji 36). The old building was designed by Kin'go Tatsuno, a leading figure in Meiji architecture who also designed the red brick Tokyo Station.

Kodomo no Honya Nakanoshima (Children's Bookstore Nakanoshima)

Designed by architect Tadao Ando. The interior requires advance reservation, but the green apple sculpture in the lobby can be freely viewed. It is said that the green apple embodies the wish for eternal “youth” (the green apple representing immaturity).

The season is perfect for a stroll. During Golden Week, I invite everyone to visit the charming Nakanoshima area to explore architecture, art, and gourmet delights!

Travelogue Index

1. ● The artistic Osaka-Nakanoshima area

2. ● Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art

3. ● National Museum of Art, Osaka

4. ● Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library

5. ● Absolutely cannot miss! Recommended spots

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