Guida
Benesse House Museum is a facility where the museum and hotel are integrated under the concept of "the coexistence of nature, architecture, and art." Located on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the design is characterized by the works of renowned architect Tadao Ando. The structure, which draws the natural scenery of the island inside through large openings, creates a rare space where nature, architecture, and art are intimately connected. Beyond the indoor exhibition spaces, artworks are scattered throughout the surrounding coastline and forests, allowing visitors to encounter art alongside ever-changing landscapes as they walk.
The facility focuses on site-specific works that respond to the natural environment of Naoshima and are inspired by the architectural space. Artists have chosen this location to create works through a dialogue with the nature and architecture of the site. Rather than being a mere exhibition facility, the museum serves as a core part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, where architecture, nature, and art form a single, unified cultural space.
The collection includes a wide variety of media, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. Works by artists like Bruce Nauman, Jackson Pollock, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frank Stella, Shinro Ohtake, Tatsuo Miyajima, and Hiroshi Sugimoto are displayed within the architectural spaces designed by Tadao Ando. Additionally, permanent outdoor installations, such as Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin" and Shinro Ohtake's "Shipyard Works," are positioned to connect with the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, offering an art experience that is one with nature.
The facility is open year-round and presents different expressions depending on the season. During the bright daylight hours, you can enjoy the natural light streaming through the openings, the blue of the Seto Inland Sea, and the geometric beauty of the architecture simultaneously. Since the museum is open until 21:00, visiting at night offers a special opportunity to face art amidst the silence of the night and the beautifully illuminated architecture. As the surrounding forests and coastlines change with the seasons, the sense of harmony with nature will vary depending on when you visit.
The museum offers free guided gallery tours led by hotel staff (daily from 16:00 to 16:45). These programs, which include anecdotes about the creation of the works, provide a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the art. Additionally, the museum shop on the second floor offers art goods and related books, allowing you to take a piece of Naoshima's culture home with you. The greatest experience is to feel the fusion of nature, architecture, and art with your entire body.
Benesse House is integrated with various accommodation buildings such as "Oval," "Park," and "Beach." For example, "Oval," located on the hill, is an accommodation-wing accessible by monorail, designed to maximize the view of the Setal Inland Sea. The "Beach" area near the coast and the "Park" area with its restaurants and cafes offer different ways to experience the connection between nature and art. Visitors can enjoy a stay-oriented tourism experience alongside the beautiful scenery of the Kotanjishi area in southern Naoshima.
To protect the artworks and maintain a quiet environment, please do not touch the works, except for certain interactive pieces. Video recording and sketching are prohibited. Photography is allowed for personal use, but please refrain from using images for commercial printing. Large items such as suitcases or tripods must be left at the reception. Pets are not allowed inside. The premises are non-smoking. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is prohibited for safety and art protection. Payments accepted include cash, credit cards (VISA, MASTER, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS), and electronic payments (PayPay).