The National Museum of Art, Osaka

My trip to The National Museum of Art, Osaka was one of the highlights of my vacation. I visited the Boundaries and Undo, Redo exhibitions and enjoyed them tremendously. A lovely space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city too. The science museum and Nakka Museum are next door, so you can visit them all on the same day, if you feel inclined.

Two exhibitions were showcased in April 2025, with a combined entry fee of 1,200 yen. The curators did a great job—definitely worth a visit!

I saw the No Boundaries and Undo, Redo exhibits during my visit. It was very conducive for viewing, the place was very spacious and quiet. Also very inclusive and accessible, as well as for non-Japanese-speaking individuals like me (content/audio guides available).

Went for the special exhibition, after seeing Nakka museum. Spent about 1hr to see the whole museum. Is adjacent to the science museum. Very cute gift shop, as well! Had Yoshitomo Nara merch

I had a great time going through the museum. They had several pieces you could view for free which I actually really liked. They currently have the exhibition of Yoichi Umetsu: Crystal Palace. The placards were also in English which really made a difference for me, it allowed to understand the artist, his intentions and motivations. The entry is only 1200 yen, 1000 yen after 5PM and that's a bargain. Recommended!

Located next to the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, this beautifully designed gallery in an underground space features the exhibition Portraits of Her, curated from selected pieces in their collection. It offered plenty of fascinating works to enjoy.

If you’re in the area, I think the Undo, Redo exhibit was interesting and beautiful to look at. There was more passion and thought put into the pieces displayed. Would have probably purchased the audio guide to go along so could get more out of it. Don’t waste your money or time on the No Boundaries exhibit. It was a total hodgepodge of “art” put together most likely at the last minute. There was literally a piece of art with a blank canvas that had shipping stickers and dirt marks from the “journey” it took while being shipped around the states. I know art and beauty is in the eye of the beholder but damn, it felt off brand for Japan to allow an exhibition like this on their grounds. It was not impressive but something I will look back and laugh at with my husband.

An amazing art exhibit, the one I went to had the theme of Undo/Redo and was incredible

The very first time I saw this gigantic structure I was immediately captivated and found out later on that this is Osaka's National Art Museum. What I like about this place is that it's never crowded and so you can slowly take your time to enjoy the work of arts. Also the Science Museum is just beside it , really convenient.

This museum was interesting. It seemed like it only holds rotating or traveling exhibitions.. I was just confused I came and they were showcasing Ryan Gander - These Wings Aren't for flying. And Ryan Gander - greatest story ever told. they charged it as two exhibitions. The works were very cool. After these two exhibits, I asked the front desk, if there was anymore? Like I thought in most other museums like MoMA or Met, they have special exhibits, and then regular exhibits. In a very polite manner, She said No, that's it. Location of the museum is 10/15 minute walk from subway station. In a part of time that seemed non-touristy. Look for the building/sculpture that looks like something out of star trek and that is the museum!!

Unlike the over crowded art galleries and museums in Tokyo, you can really spend sometime in front of your favorite pieces. Open on national bank holidays.

The art museum whose appearance such as the huge art object shows a lot of conspicuously in this neighborhood. I go to underground by escalator not on the first floor to enter this art museum. The inside is stylish as well as the outside, too. There is a place such as the first floor in the basement, and there is also an exhibition there. If you buy a ticket for a speical exhibition, you can also see the exhibition at the first floor in the basement. The special exhibition is usually in the room on the second floor in the basement. I often get a pair of tickets of various art exhibitions by lotteries or have them from acquaintances. It was the exhibition of overseas artworks. Only for 15 or 30 first arrival, it had an event to have a professional likeness illustrator draw a portrait of him or her for 500 yen. There were two likeness illustrators, and one was a teacher of the famous culture school, the other was the winner of the championship at famous TV program (they compete for a champion) two years in a row. My friend was drawn by the culture school teacher, I was drawn by the winner of the TV program. I heard the fierce incident that happened in the painter, while I had him draw my face. So I was at a loss for words. The picture was prettier than I. He certainly described my portrait of a bright expression in a pop style, though he experienced many hardships. Since it must not become the copyright infringement, I don't post the picture on this website. This is because it is a picture of a professional likeness illustrator. To an art exhibition, a lecture or an event is occasionally carried out. Mostly you should come on Saturday or Sunday after checking it in a website.