National Museum of Art, Osaka

The National Museum of Art is a gallery dedicated to displaying the works of Japanese and international contemporary artists. It is popularly called the submarine because the structure is wholly underground except for its glass and steel roof with skylights that resembles reeds blowing in the wind.

The National Museum of Art began as the Expo Art Gallery constructed as part of the Expo ’70 that was held in Suit near Osaka. After the Expo, the area became the Expo Commemoration Park. The gallery remained as a structure designated for a future museum. It housed the National Museum of Art from 1977. Soon the building was found to be too small and old to display the growing collection. It was razed to the ground and a brand new modern structure designed by Argentine American architect Cezar Pelli opened its doors for public viewing in the year 2004.

The first floor beneath the ground has an auditorium, restaurant and gift shop. The next two floors consist of the display halls and storage areas. The permanent exhibits are displayed in the intermediate level and temporary exhibitions of works by a single artist are also held here. The lowest floor hosts changing themed special art exhibitions. International paintings displayed in the permanent collection include works by Cezanne, Picasso and Ernst.