Japanese art organisation, The Fukutake Foundation recently announced the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Located on a hilltop near Naoshima’s Honmura district, the museum will display a collection of significant pieces, including location-specific works by Asian artists. The museum is set to open in spring 2025.
The three-story museum features four gallery spaces, a café, and outdoor grounds. The inaugural exhibition will showcase works by eleven artists and groups, including Aida Makoto, Takashi Murakami, and Do Ho Suh. Both permanent and changing exhibits will be on display, aiming to create dynamic artistic engagement. The museum will hold various public events, including talks and workshops.
Tadao Ando, who has worked on Naoshima projects for over thirty years, designed the museum to blend into the surrounding landscape. The exterior features stacked pebble walls and black plaster, while the interior includes a staircase with natural light from a skylight. “I believe it was Mr. Fukutake Soichiro’s enthusiasm and passion that led Naoshima to flourish as a world-famous island of art and culture,” said Tadao Ando.
The museum’s director, Miki Akiko, noted that the inaugural exhibition raises questions about society, environment, and way of life. The Naoshima New Museum of Art is Ando’s tenth architectural work on the island, adding to Benesse Art Site Naoshima’s existing facilities. With its focus on contemporary Asian art, the museum promises to be a significant cultural destination.
The museum’s design and location are intended to link visitors’ experiences with the history and daily lives of Naoshima’s residents. The café provides a picturesque view of the island of Teshima and the passing fishing boats, a typical sight of the Seto Inland Sea.
Source: worldarchitecture.org