A entirely underground contemporary and modern art museum on Nakanoshima island, marked by a dramatic steel entrance sculpture. Open 10:00-17:00 (Fri to 20:00, last entry 30 min prior), closed Mondays; collection admission 430 yen, special shows extra. Calm, serious, and rarely crowded.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun: 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) Fri: 10:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30) Closed Mondays, New Year, and during exhibition changeovers |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Watanabebashi Station (Keihan Nakanoshima Line) or Higobashi Station (Yotsubashi subway) |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Friday evening extended hours; weekdays are quietest |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.5/10- Value7.5
- iconic6.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is it crowded?
- Generally no, it's one of Osaka's calmer major attractions, though blockbuster special exhibitions can draw lines on weekends. Weekday and Friday-evening visits are peaceful.
- How do I get there?
- It's on Nakanoshima, the river island in central Osaka. Watanabebashi Station on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line or Higobashi on the Yotsubashi subway are both a short walk. It's an easy add to a riverside stroll.
- Is it worth visiting?
- If you like modern and contemporary art, yes, the rotating special exhibitions are ambitious and the space is serene. If you're not into contemporary art, the appeal is mainly the architecture, so gauge accordingly.
- What's nearby on Nakanoshima?
- The Nakanoshima Museum of Art and the science museum sit right beside it, and the elegant Nakanoshima Park and retro Central Public Hall are a short walk east. You can build a full art-and-architecture day here.
- Can I use the Osaka Amazing Pass?
- Pass holders typically get free entry to the collection exhibition, though special exhibitions are excluded. If you hold the pass it's an easy, low-commitment stop, confirm current pass coverage before relying on it.
- Why is the museum underground?
- The entire gallery space sits below ground on Nakanoshima island, with only the striking steel-and-glass entrance sculpture, meant to evoke reeds or bamboo, rising above street level. It's a bold architectural statement by Cesar Pelli and unlike any other museum in the city.
- How much does it cost?
- The collection exhibition is 430 yen for adults and 130 yen for college students, with high schoolers, under-18s and over-65s free. Special exhibitions require a separate, pricier ticket, so check what's showing before you go.
- What are the hours?
- Open 10:00am to 5:00pm, with extended Friday hours until 8:00pm, and last admission 30 minutes before closing. It's closed Mondays, over the New Year, and while exhibitions are being swapped, so verify your date.
Nearby in Ask Osaka
- Osaka Science MuseumMuseum0.12 km · 1 min walk
- Bar KBar0.75 km · 9 min walk
- Umeda (Kita)Neighborhood1.2 km · 15 min walk
- Nakanoshima Park and Museum of Oriental CeramicsAttraction1.28 km · 16 min walk
- The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, OsakaMuseum1.28 km · 16 min walk
Where to stay near National Museum of Art, Osaka
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