Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Chichu Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located on the island of Naoshima (Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture) in the Seto Inland Sea. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, it opened in 2004. Its unique architecture, almost entirely buried underground, was designed with consideration for the natural environment and landscape. The museum's interior is cleverly designed to incorporate natural light, creating a striking compatibility with artworks themed around light and space. Permanent exhibits include multiple works from Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series, James Turrell's light installations (e.g., Open Sky, Afrum (White), Open Field), and Walter de Maria's sculptural works. The exhibits are intended to allow visitors to experience the passage of light and time in a tranquil environment, offering a profound viewing experience.
Highlights
- Monet's "Water Lilies" Exhibition Room: This special space, where natural light is strategically taken in, allows visitors to view Monet's masterpieces up close and in special lighting. This is a place where you can experience the changes in the colors and light of the paintings.
- James Turrell's Light Space: A series of works of darkness and light that challenge our senses and perceptions. We encourage you to take your time to view them, allowing you to experience the subtle changes in light with your body. Each work has its own viewing method, and sometimes there is time set aside for quiet sitting.
- The architecture itself by Tadao Ando: By being buried underground, it is designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. The use of concrete and light, the flow of light to the outdoors, and the approach to the exhibition room (which gives the feeling of descending underground) make the architecture itself a part of the exhibition.
– Quietness and presentation of the museum: The quiet and dimly lit space allows you to sharpen your senses and engage with the artworks.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
– Main access routes to Naoshima from Honshu and Shikoku:
– Takamatsu (Kagawa Prefecture) → Take a ferry or high-speed boat to Naoshima (Miyanoura Port) (travel time: approximately 50 minutes by regular boat, approximately 35 minutes by high-speed boat / depends on the type of boat).
- Okayama (Uno Port) → Take the ferry to Naoshima (Miyanoura Port) (travel time: approximately 20-25 minutes). To get to Uno Port, take the Uno Line from JR Okayama Station and get off at Uno Station.
– From Miyanoura Port, Naoshima to Chichu Art Museum:
- Take the Naoshima sightseeing bus (towards Benesse) and get off at "Benesse Museum/Chichu Art Museum" (approximately 15-20 minutes).
– Walking is quite long and involves some elevation changes (30-60 minutes, depending on the route, so it is not recommended for those who are not confident in their physical strength). Bicycles are also available for rental (takes about 30 minutes, includes some slopes).
– Note: The number of ferries and buses varies depending on the season and day of the week. It is a good idea to check in advance about transportation options within Naoshima (bicycle rental, car rental, community bus, etc.).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visiting the Chichu Art Museum: Generally, you should aim for 90 to 120 minutes. It is recommended to view Turrell's works quietly and take your time, so it is best to allow yourself plenty of time.
– If you plan to visit other spots on Naoshima (Benesse House, Lee Ufan Museum, Art House Project, etc.), we recommend allocating a full day (half a day to a full day).
Nearby spots
- Benesse House Museum: This is the core facility of the same Benesse Art Site. You can enjoy the architecture and collection.
– Lee Ufan Museum: Featuring tranquil indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces.
– Art House Project (Honmura area): A collection of contemporary art pieces in old houses. One of Naoshima's main attractions.
– Naoshima public bath "I♥Yu" (Art Bath): Famous for its artwork (please check opening hours).
– Around Miyanoura Port: Cafes, souvenir shops, bicycle rental stations, etc.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Advance reservations and designated times: Chichu Art Museum often has designated entry times and limits the number of people allowed inside. Tickets are expected to sell out and become crowded, especially during peak seasons (Golden Week, summer vacation, consecutive holidays, etc.), so please make reservations and purchases in advance on the official website.
- Photography and recording: Some exhibition rooms prohibit photography, flash photography, recording, and the use of mobile phones. In particular, the Turrell and Monet exhibition rooms have strict photography restrictions, so please follow the signs and instructions of the staff.
- Quietness within the museum: Please enjoy the exhibits quietly. Please refrain from shouting or running.
- What to wear and bring: Many of the exhibition rooms are underground and dark, and the air conditioning may be on, so it is useful to bring something to wear over your clothes. You may also be walking up slopes and on unpaved roads, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- Accessibility: There are architectural stairs and steps in some areas. Please check in advance for access and services for wheelchair users.
- Weather and season: Ferries to Naoshima may be canceled due to bad weather (strong winds or typhoons). Be especially careful during typhoon season in the fall and bad weather in the winter, and plan your trip accordingly. In the summer, it can be hot and crowded, so take precautions against heatstroke.
- Mitigating crowds: When it is crowded, the museum may limit entry or set viewing times. Please allow yourself plenty of time.
lastly
Before visiting, be sure to check the official website for opening hours, ticket information, exhibition and photography rules, and transportation access (ferry times and Naoshima buses). This is a museum that offers a quiet and special viewing experience, so be sure to prepare in advance and go with plenty of time.
