About the Museum
The National Museum of Art, Osaka houses one of Japan’s largest collections, comprising approximately 8,300 works, with a focus on modern and contemporary art from Japan and abroad produced since 1945. In addition to preserving and exhibiting these works, the museum collects related materials and carries out research, study, and educational outreach programs.
When the museum opened in 1977, it occupied facilities originally built for the Japan World Exposition, Osaka 1970 (Expo ’70). In 2004, it moved to a newly constructed building in Nakanoshima, Osaka. The exterior design, inspired by the supple vitality of bamboo, expresses an aspiration for the ongoing growth and development of contemporary art. Inside, the museum offers public areas that are open and accessible to all visitors, and its galleries present a diverse lineup of exhibitions. Artist talks, workshops, concerts, and other events are also held on a regular basis.