Travel 4 Archi: 'D3' Immersive art & architecture experience at Naoshima Island

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Day 3: Architectural Masterpieces and Cultural Immersion on Naoshima

16th June 2024

Our final day on Naoshima was packed with visits to some of the island's most iconic and thought-provoking architectural and artistic venues. From whimsical outdoor sculptures to profound architectural spaces, each stop offered a unique perspective on the harmonious blend of art, architecture, and nature. We hired a bike, it was quite intense cycling up hill.

10:00: Ando Museum

Due to the unfortunate event on Day 1, I've squeeze to see the Ando Museum . This intimate museum, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, is a testament to his genius. Housed in a traditional wooden building, the museum’s exterior preserves the historical charm of Naoshima's architecture. Inside, however, Ando's signature style of concrete, glass, and steel creates a modern, contemplative space. The juxtaposition of old and new highlights Ando's ability to blend history with contemporary design. Each room invited us to explore his architectural philosophy, making this a highlight of our architectural journey on Naoshima.

11:00: Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors Next, we headed to the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery for our pre-booked visit to the "Time Corridors" exhibition. Designed by Sugimoto himself, the gallery is a masterful interplay of light and shadow, time and space. As we walked through the corridors, each space revealed itself slowly, almost meditatively. The minimalist design, with its clean lines and strategic use of natural light, creates a serene atmosphere that encourages deep contemplation. Sugimoto's photographs, which capture the essence of time and transience, are perfectly complemented by the gallery's architectural design, making this a deeply immersive experience.

12:00: Benesse House Museum Our next stop was the Benesse House Museum, where art and nature converge in a seamless dialogue. Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum features large, open spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Ando’s use of concrete, glass, and natural light creates an environment that is both stark and warm, a perfect backdrop for the contemporary artworks housed within. Walking through the museum, we felt a profound connection between the artworks and the natural beauty outside, enhancing our appreciation of both.

12:45: Valley Gallery After our visit to Benesse House, we made our way to the Valley Gallery. This venue, nestled in a lush, green valley, offers a unique blend of architecture and nature. The gallery's design emphasizes its surroundings, with large windows and outdoor terraces that bring the outside in. The artworks here are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environments. This gallery was a peaceful retreat, allowing us to experience art in a tranquil, natural setting.

13:00: Lee Ufan Museum Designed by Tadao Ando in collaboration with artist Lee Ufan, this museum is a celebration of minimalism and meditative space. The building itself is a work of art, with its clean lines and concrete surfaces. Inside, Lee Ufan's artworks, which emphasize the relationship between space, material, and viewer, are displayed with careful consideration. Each piece encourages stillness and reflection, allowing us to fully engage with the art and the space. The museum’s design, with its interplay of light and shadow, enhances this meditative experience.

14:00: Chichu Art Museum Our final stop was the Chichu Art Museum, another masterpiece by Tadao Ando. This museum, built largely underground, is a stunning example of how architecture can shape our experience of art. The design minimizes the building's impact on the landscape while creating a dramatic, introspective space for viewing art. The museum houses works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria, each displayed in specially designed rooms that enhance the viewer's interaction with the pieces. Monet's Water Lilies, for example, are displayed in a room with natural light that changes throughout the day, offering different perspectives on the paintings. Turrell’s and De Maria’s works, with their focus on light and space, are perfectly suited to Ando's architectural vision, creating a profound and unforgettable experience.

As we left the Chichu Art Museum, we felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Our journey through Naoshima and Teshima had been a rich tapestry of architectural and artistic wonders, each venue offering a unique and immersive experience. This final day, with its thoughtfully designed spaces and inspiring artworks, was the perfect culmination of our immersive architecture experience.

15:00: Head back to Osaka by Ferry & Trains

Our trip to Naoshima and Teshima was an unforgettable journey through art and architecture, enriched by unexpected adventures and serene moments. Despite the initial hiccup, the experience turned out to be a perfect blend of spontaneity and planned exploration, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, embrace the unexpected, and you might just find the most memorable moments in the unplanned adventures. Naoshima and Teshima are not just destinations for art lovers; they are places where art, architecture, and nature come together to create something truly magical. If you ever have the chance to visit, embrace the journey with an open heart and mind—you won't be disappointed.

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