Benesse House Museum on Naoshima in Japan

The Benesse House on Naoshima opened in 1992 and looked to integrate both a museum and hotel in to one. Now this building is just one of four, the others also accommodating guests, plus a restaurant, cafe and spa. Inside the house is a selection of art, some are site specific works, such as the photography by Hiroshi Sugimoto, but others are temporary and rotate throughout the year.

Conceptually the building is built on the idea of “coexistence of nature, art and architecture”. As I’m a fan of Japanese architect Tadao Ando the focal point for me was to see what kind of conversation existed between the exterior elements and the interior elements. I was taken a back by the shadows scattered across the stark concrete, more of which I will show in a future series. Interestingly it didn’t feel cold or plain at all.

Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures in the main gallery, but I was able to capture a few of the outer sections of the building and the main lobby area. This island certainly inspired me and I hope the pictures inspire you too. Enjoy.

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More from my Travels in Japan:

Exploring Osaka - Inside the TRUCK Furniture Workshop
Exploring Osaka - Inside the TRUCK Furniture Showroom
Exploring Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Gardens
Exploring Tokyo - A Visit to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
Exploring Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple & Grounds
Exploring Kyoto - A Visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine
Exploring Kyoto - A Visit to Japanese Potter Kawai Kanjiro’s House
Exploring Kyoto - Inside Nakamuraken Sweet Shop

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