Chichu Art Museum: Subterranean Sanctuary of Art and Nature
Discover modern art in a subterranean setting at Naoshima's Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando, featuring Monet, Turrell, and De Maria.
The Chichu Art Museum (literally, 'art museum in the earth') is a remarkable synthesis of art, architecture, and nature, located on the island of Naoshima in Kagawa Prefecture. Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando and opened in 2004, the museum is primarily built underground to preserve the island's natural beauty. The museum's permanent collection features works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. Monet's Water Lilies are displayed in a room designed to unite the paintings with the surrounding space, illuminated by natural light. James Turrell's installations play with light and perception, while Walter De Maria's geometric sculpture interacts with natural light from the ceiling, creating dramatic changes throughout the day. Ando's architecture uses concrete, steel, glass, and wood to create clean lines and built-in decorations. The design incorporates natural light to transform the appearance of the artworks and the ambiance of the museum throughout the day and seasons. The museum also includes the Chichu Garden, featuring plants and flowers that appeared in Monet's works or were collected by him. The Chichu Art Museum is part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, an initiative to rethink the relationship between nature and people through art. The museum exemplifies this concept, offering visitors a unique and contemplative experience.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, as the museum operates on a reservation system.
- Visit on a sunny day to experience the full effect of the natural light on the artworks.
- Allow ample time to explore the Chichu Garden, which features plants and flowers related to Monet's life and art.
- Check the museum's schedule for the Open Sky Night Program to view James Turrell's 'Open Sky' installation at sunset.
A brief summary to Chichu Art Museum
- 3449-1, Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa, 761-3110, JP
- +8187-892-3755
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Ferry and Bus
Most visitors arrive in Naoshima via ferry to Miyanoura Port. From Takamatsu Port, the ferry is about 60 minutes (¥680) or a high-speed boat is about 30 minutes (¥1,590). From Uno Port, the ferry is about 20 minutes (¥300). From Miyanoura Port, take the town bus towards Tsutsuji-so. The ride is about 15 minutes and costs ¥100. From the Tsutsuji-so bus stop, transfer to the free shuttle bus that runs to the Chichu Art Museum. The shuttle ride is about 7 minutes.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, it is possible to walk from Miyanoura Port to the Chichu Art Museum, but it is a considerable distance. The walk is approximately 40-50 minutes and involves some hills. Follow the main road south from the port, and then follow the signs to the Benesse House area and Chichu Art Museum. Be prepared for some uphill sections.
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Bicycle
Rental bicycles are available at Miyanoura Port. The ride to Chichu Art Museum is about 2 kilometers and takes approximately 10 minutes. Be prepared for some hills. Rental costs range from ¥500 per day for a standard bicycle to ¥1500 for an electric-assisted bicycle.
