National Museum of Art, Osaka and Nakanoshima Art Museum Launch Joint Initiative 'Collections in Nakanoshima (Kore-Naka)'

The National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO, Osaka City, Kita Ward; Director: Atsushi SHIMA) and Nakanoshima Art Museum (NAKKA, Osaka City, Kita Ward; Acting Director: Keiko UEKI), both operated by the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, are launching a new collaborative initiative titled 'Collections in Nakanoshima NMAO–NAKKA' (Kore-Naka). This project aims to revitalize regional culture and the local community by mutually utilizing each institution’s collections and specialized expertise.

Prior to this, both museums signed a comprehensive partnership agreement on July 14, 2026, titled 'Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement for Regional Revitalization through Collection Utilization'.

Since its opening in 1977, the National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO) has collected approximately 8,300 works, primarily postwar modern art from Japan and abroad, establishing itself as Japan’s only national museum centered on modern art. The adjacent Nakanoshima Art Museum (NAKKA), opened in 2022, holds around 7,000 works connecting global modern and contemporary art and design with Osaka’s artistic culture. Together, both institutions serve as key cultural hubs in the Osaka Nakanoshima district, each pursuing unique initiatives.

In response to the increasing number of inbound tourists and the diversification of urban tourism, the two museums will jointly utilize their artworks, expertise, and personnel over multiple years to enhance cultural access for local residents, promote visitor exchange, and elevate the region’s appeal.

Main initiatives planned for fiscal year 2026:

① Introduction of Nakanoshima Art Museum’s collection at the National Museum of Art, Osaka’s collection exhibition

In anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2027, the National Museum of Art, Osaka will present its 2026 collection exhibition as a 'pre-50th Anniversary Commemorative Project'. The exhibition will be divided into two phases, reviewing artistic developments up to 1977—the year of its opening—through its holdings.

The first phase, 'Collection 1: I / Action' (July 19 – November 3), will feature 140 works from Paul Cézanne to the mid-1960s. In its final chapter, it will gather works by postwar female artists. Among them, the museum will display Tanaka Atsuko’s iconic work 'Hell Gate', along with photographs of her works by Otsuji Kiyoji, and eight of her drawings from the Nakanoshima Art Museum’s collection. Tanaka, a member of the 'Gutai' group with deep ties to the Nakanoshima area, will be presented through a combined display of both museums’ collections, vividly revealing her creative thought process and artistic development.

② Exhibition of National Museum of Art, Osaka’s collection at Nakanoshima Art Museum (planned: October 6 – November 8, 2026)

In the multipurpose space on the 2nd floor of Nakanoshima Art Museum—a venue known for solo exhibitions of young Kansai-based artists and unique events—selected works from the National Museum of Art, Osaka’s collection, focusing on sculptures and video art, will be exhibited.

③ Symposium (planned: November 3, 2026)

During the exhibition period at Nakanoshima Art Museum, a symposium will be held at the same venue. Directors, curators, and represented artists from both museums will participate, engaging in deep discussions on the theme 'Collection Formation and Utilization in Museums' (tentative).

Director’s Comments

Atsushi SHIMA, Director, National Museum of Art, Osaka

'Even before the opening of Nakanoshima Art Museum, we have long shared the appeal of our collections through joint exhibitions such as 'The Dream Museum: Osaka Collections' (2007). Since Nakanoshima Art Museum opened in 2022, we have seen an unprecedented number of visitors coming to the Nakanoshima area. I sincerely hope this new collaborative initiative will further contribute to the revitalization of Nakanoshima.'

Keiko UEKI, Acting Director, Nakanoshima Art Museum

'After 40 years of planning, Nakanoshima Art Museum has steadily built its activities over the past five years thanks to the accumulated history, knowledge, and networks of people in Nakanoshima. The collaboration we have cultivated with the National Museum of Art, Osaka has now been strengthened through this comprehensive agreement. We believe this will more broadly demonstrate Nakanoshima’s collective power in promoting art, serving as a new engine for Osaka’s creative activities. We welcome your continued attention to this partnership.'

Left: Keiko UEKI, Acting Director, Nakanoshima Art Museum; Right: Atsushi SHIMA, Director, National Museum of Art, Osaka

About the National Museum of Art, Osaka

Opened in 1977, the museum is Japan’s only national museum dedicated to modern art, housing approximately 8,300 works focused on postwar modern art from Japan and abroad. After relocating from the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park to Osaka’s Nakanoshima in 2004, it has continued to promote the appeal of modern art. In recent years, it has focused on non-Western art and female artists, offering inclusive programs through exhibitions and educational outreach.

Address: 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City

https://www.nmao.go.jp

About Nakanoshima Art Museum

Opened in 2022, the museum collects approximately 7,000 works of art and design from the late 19th century to the present. It introduces artists connected to Osaka and global modern and contemporary art and design, while hosting diverse exhibitions and educational programs. As a cultural hub representing the Nakanoshima area, it works to promote artistic culture and create vibrant local communities.

Address: 4-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City

https://nakka-art.jp/

Announcement: Establishment of Public Relations Office for the National Museum of Art, Osaka

We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support for the public relations activities of the National Museum of Art, Osaka.

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the 'Public Relations Office for the National Museum of Art, Osaka' to provide prompt and smooth information delivery to media professionals. The office will disseminate various latest updates from the museum, including the rich collection collaboration with Nakanoshima Art Museum—a key player in establishing Nakanoshima as a modern art hub—as well as exhibitions leading up to the museum’s 50th anniversary in 2027.

For media inquiries, interviews, or coverage requests regarding future exhibitions and programs, please feel free to contact the Public Relations Office below.

Public Relations Office, National Museum of Art, Osaka (within Prap Japan Inc.)

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00–18:00 (excluding holidays, year-end, and New Year)

TEL: 03-4570-3159 / FAX: 03-4580-7298 / EMAIL: [email protected]

*The PR office within Prap Japan will operate until March 31, 2027.

Please send magazines or sample copies to:

Address: Midtown East 8F, 9-7-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

Attn: Public Relations Office, National Museum of Art, Osaka, Prap Japan Inc.

Main Services

- Interview requests and consultations regarding the museum

- Interview requests and consultations regarding exhibitions and events

- Loan of press images

Press images (photo data) can be requested by downloading the 'Press Image Application Form' and submitting it via FAX or email. https://www.nmao.go.jp/press/

- Fact-checking for published articles or broadcast content

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Through better communication with media professionals, we will continue to widely share the activities and appeal of the National Museum of Art, Osaka. Thank you for your continued support.