Otsuka Museum Of Art: Preserving The World's Works Of Art

Japan is home to fascinating museums that showcase its rich culture and tradition. One of these museums is the Osaka Museum of Art located in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture which is regarded as the largest exhibition space in Japan. This art museum not only features the best in the country but also allows you to see several masterpieces from around the world. The art museum gives the opportunity to its visitors to immerse themselves in the works of art created by some of the most iconic artists of all time.

With over 1,000 expertly made replicas of Western masterpieces, the Osaka Museum of Art is indeed a haven for classic art lovers. Visitors can explore the expansive five-floor museum in peace even on a busy day because of its wide size. Tourists can immediately understand the exhibits as it has audio guides which are available in English. If you're planning to visit Japan this year or in the future, the Osaka Museum of Art is definitely worth your time.

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The art museum will not only introduce visitors to the best masterpieces in the art industry but let you experience it yourself.

Now, let's explore what the museum has to offer. Brief History of the Osaka Museum of Art Established in 1988, the Otsuka Museum of Art is one of the most popular art museums in Japan. According to an article by Japan Travel, the museum was built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Group in Naruto City, Tokushima. It was then the largest museum in the country with 29,412m² which cost double than the original plan of building it in the Kansai Area.

The art museum was built in Naruto City to preserve nature. In fact, it was covered with greenery to maintain nature and scenery. What makes the Otsuka Museum of Art different and unique from many museums around the world is that its exhibitions are all replicas or reproductions. Meaning, there's no 'real' artwork displayed there. The museum reproduced some of the world masterpieces on ceramic boards in their original size and color through special and state-of-the-art techniques. What's even more interesting is that these replicas can last for more than 2,000 years. This means that while the original artworks are possibly fading and become damaged as time goes by because of its age, the art pieces in the Otsuka Museum of Art are still there.

Aside from that, the site can be the largest back-up center of all works of art in the world. The Osaka Museum of Art is not only a museum showcasing the best works of art in history but also preserving masterpieces for the next generations to see. Since its establishment, the museum remains true to its primary purpose - conversation. The replicas will keep the vibrant color and shape of the artworks, preserving the world's history of cultural treasures. In a recent article by the Japan Times, Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics President Mitsuru Osugi said, “The works, which have been displayed at the Otsuka Museum of Art for the past 20 years, have not deteriorated, which proves the quality of our company’s technology. We hope to contribute further by reproducing cultural properties and giving people chances to touch them and become familiar with them.” Must-See Collection of the Osaka Museum of Art The museum showcases an impressive collection of artworks from a number of iconic artists. All of these were displayed according to the time period of the art or when it was created. Visitors will be able to see art pieces from ancient history to the Middle Ages, including the life-size replica of the Sistine Chapel.

The first basement displays works from the end of the Baroque period. This includes the modern art represented by the impressionists and the famous work of Eugène Delacroix titled 'Liberty leading the people.' Visitors will also see the artworks created by Edouard Manet and Auguste Renoir which are regarded as the symbols of the Impressionist movement. Edvard Munch's painting titled 'The Scream' can also be seen there. As you go on the second basement, you'll be seeing artworks dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque artists. The art pieces include 'Mona Lisa' and the 'Water Lilies' by Claude Monet. According to an article by Japan Experience, the classics of the 20th century and themed exhibitions are located on the two top floors of the museum. Among the artworks you will see include an entire room of self-portraits by Rembrandt and Picasso's Guernica. Aside from that, Michaelangelo's “The Last Judgement” and “The Creation of the Sun, Moon, and Plants' are also exhibited in the museum. Moreover, the museum displays Tawaraya Sotatsu’s ceramic replicas of Edo Period such as “Wind God and Thunder God Screens” and Matazo Kayama’s “Oboro.' All in all, the museum houses over 1,082 ceramic reproductions of the world’s masterpieces.