Naoshima’s New Museum by Tadao Ando Embraces Environmental Harmony

Summary

• The Naoshima New Museum of Art has officially opened
• Designed by Tadao Ando, the three-story building features two underground levels and a ground floor, housing four gallery spaces
• Located near Honmura, it offers panoramic Seto Inland Sea views

Tadao Ando, the acclaimed Japanese architect renowned for his masterful use of concrete, light and space, has unveiled his latest creation on Naoshima Island: the Naoshima New Museum of Art.

Situated on a hilltop near the Honmura district, the museum marks a significant addition to Japan’s Benesse Art Site in Naoshima. Having just opened its doors last week, it is also Ando’s tenth architectural project for the renowned art destination. The three-story structure, featuring two underground levels and a ground floor, is designed to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings, reflecting Ando’s signature approach to minimalist architecture and environmental harmony.

The museum’s design emphasizes natural light and spatial fluidity, with a central staircase illuminated by a skylight, guiding visitors into the underground galleries. The black plaster exterior, reminiscent of traditional burned cedar and stacked pebble walls, further enhances its connection to the local landscape.

Inside, the museum houses four gallery spaces dedicated to major works and site-specific commissions from artists across Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. The inaugural exhibition, From the Origin to the Future, features large-scale installations by 12 prominent and emerging artists, offering visitors a dynamic yet unhurried artistic experience. Unlike previous Benesse Art Site Naoshima facilities, which focus primarily on permanent exhibitions, this museum introduces a rotating exhibition model, ensuring that each visit presents something new.

Beyond its indoor galleries, the museum extends its artistic engagement to outdoor spaces and a café area, providing visitors with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. As the first museum to bear the name of Naoshima, it aims to deepen its connection to the local community, creating a harmonious blend of art, architecture, nature and daily life.

Naoshima New Museum of Art
3299-73 Naoshima,
761-3110 Kagawa, Japan