🖼️ Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka (NAKKA) — Modern Art Meets Urban Flow

#hellohalloween

Background
The Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka (NAKKA) is a relatively new art museum that officially opened on February 2, 2022, located in the Nakanoshima district, Kita-ku, Osaka.  Its collection is over 6,000 artworks spanning from the mid-19th century through to contemporary works.  Among the artists featured are Osaka-tied names like Saeki Yuzo and Jirō Yoshihara (founder of the Gutai art movement), as well as international figures like Modigliani, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Basquiat. 

Architecturally, it was designed by Endō Katsuhiko. One of the standout concepts is the “passage” — a public passageway / atrium running through the building that’s open to all, intended to blur the line between city and museum, inviting pedestrians to flow through, linger, or access the museum freely.  The building has a striking black cubic exterior made with precast concrete panels, stone, and a façade treatment that resists weather and gives it a deep, matte darkness. Inside, there’s a lot of light and silver slats, and views over the rivers and city. 

Why It’s Worth Visiting
• Rich & varied collection: If you like modern/contemporary art, this museum has depth. Not just international classics but strong representation of Osaka’s own art history and artists, which gives you a chance to see both global and local in one place. 
• Accessibility & design: The “passage” makes the architecture part of the experience. Even if you’re not going to see the exhibitions, the open public spaces, glass windows looking out over rivers, café and shop spaces make it welcoming. 
• Atmosphere & setting: Positioned between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers in Nakanoshima, the setting is scenic and peaceful. Because it’s new, it’s clean, modern, and well-prepared for visitors — barrier-free access, elevators, parent-child rooms, etc. 
My Impression
Visiting NAKKA felt like walking into a space built with intention: not just to show art but to make you slow down, notice architecture, light, flow, and views. I remember the contrast between the stark black exterior and the airy interior — high ceilings, soft light, glimpses of water and green through windows. A few pieces stood out — Saeki Yuzo’s paintings especially, as someone born in Osaka; they felt like knowing the city’s soul through colour and form. Also, the public passage is clever — it gives the museum a lighter footprint in daily life; you can wander through without buying a ticket, relax at the café, maybe be tempted to go up and see more.

Post by Pingging | Oct 17, 2025