Chichū Art Museum

Naoshima


A work of art itself, this museum designed by Tadao Ando consists of a series of cool concrete-walled spaces sitting snugly underground. Lit by natural light, it provides a remarkable setting for several Monet water-lily paintings, some monumental sculptures by Walter De Maria and installations by James Turrell. Outside is the Chichū garden, created in the spirit of Monet's garden in Giverny.

During peak periods, a 'timed ticket' system may be in place, designating the time you are able to purchase a ticket and enter.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Naoshima attractions

1. Lee Ufan Museum

0.07 MILES

Adding to the Benesse Art Site's suite of museums is yet another design from the irrepressible Tadao Ando. It houses works by the renowned Korean-born…

2. Benesse House Museum

0.22 MILES

Award-winning architect Tadao Ando designed this stunning museum and hotel on the south coast of the island. Among the works here are pieces by Andy…

3. Yellow Pumpkin

0.43 MILES

This yellow pumpkin sculpture, by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, has become a symbol of Naoshima. It's perched on the end of a small jetty. Pumpkins are…

4. Minamidera

0.91 MILES

Minamidera, one of the sites within the Art House Project, is a James Turrell experiment with light. Queue up to enter in total darkness…and wait…

5. Haisha

0.92 MILES

The shack-like Haisha by Shinro Ohtake is a highlight of the Art House Project collection of sites, notable for its Statue of Liberty sculpture, which…

6. Art House Project

0.93 MILES

In Honmura, half a dozen traditional buildings have been turned over to contemporary artists to use as the setting for creative installations, often…

7. Red Pumpkin

1.01 MILES

You can actually walk inside this larger sculpture, a sibling to Naoshima's iconic Yellow Pumpkin by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The red artwork is…

8. Go'o Shrine

1.02 MILES

One of the sites in the Art House Project collection, this is Hiroshi Sugimoto's play on the traditional Go'o Shrine, with a glass staircase and a very…