Naoshima, a small island of only 14 km² in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, has quickly become a must-see destination for contemporary art. Once a small fishing island, it has been transformed into a veritable open-air museum, where several small museums have been established over time.
It began to attract worldwide attention in ►
Naoshima, a small island of only 14 km² in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, has quickly become a must-see destination for contemporary art. Once a small fishing island, it has been transformed into a veritable open-air museum, where several small museums have been established over time.
It began to attract worldwide attention in the 1990s, thanks to the very ambitious project of Benesse Corporation. This Japanese company started investing in contemporary art and has since opened the first museum on the island, the Benesse House Museum, and several other art installations facing the sea.
Benesse Corporation partnered with renowned Japanese artist Tadao Ando to create several museums and structures on the island. Today, visitors can experience a vast collection of modern and contemporary artworks displayed in museums, galleries, and public spaces throughout the archipelago.
The museum houses work by internationally renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and Richard Long.
The next stop on the list is the Chichu Museum. Established in 2004, it is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Indeed, it was built entirely underground and is designed to blend perfectly with the surrounding nature. The museum\'s collection is presented in a minimalist, uncluttered space, creating a unique and immersive art experience. Visitors can discover works by artists such as Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
The centerpiece is a light installation by James Turrell that uses natural light to create a dramatic visual landscape. The museum offers a program called \Open Sky Night\ to view these works of art differently through the lighting of the setting sun and moon. The program is available in the summer and fall, and reservations are recommended to ensure a spot.
The Lee Ufan Museum was established in 2010 by the South Korean artist to house his minimalist works. Visitors can discover steel and stone sculptures and paintings in a space that perfectly harmonizes with the island\'s natural environment.
The centerpiece of the museum\'s permanent exhibition is \Relatum - Signal,\ an installation created especially for the museum. The structure consists of two large stones, with a middle steel plate reflecting the rocks and the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic interaction between art and space.
In addition to the museums, visitors can enjoy the island\'s public spaces, such as streets and squares, and a series of stunning art installations throughout the island, including Yayoi Kusama\'s famous yellow pumpkin sculpture with black dots and Karel Appel\'s frog cat.
If you are an art lover or are looking for a unique cultural experience, Naoshima is a must-see destination. The island uniquely combines world-renowned contemporary art installations and museums in a stunning natural setting. Whether you are an art lover or looking for a memorable cultural experience, Naoshima is a must-see destination on your next trip to Japan.
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