Lee Ufan Museum, Art museum in Naoshima, Japan
The Lee Ufan Museum is an underground art museum in Naoshima, Japan, displaying paintings and sculptures by Korean artist Lee Ufan. The architect Tadao Ando designed the spaces in concrete, creating a minimal setting that puts focus on the artworks.
The museum opened in 2010 as part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a project that transformed the island into an art center. This opening marked an important moment in Naoshima becoming known as an art destination.
The galleries show works that place natural materials like stones directly next to industrial elements such as steel plates. You can see how simple objects gain new meaning just through how they are arranged in space.
The museum sits below ground level, so expect cooler temperatures and soft lighting designed to enhance the artworks. A visit typically takes an hour or two, and it is worth checking opening hours before you go.
A central arch frames different views of the sky and sea throughout the day, creating a constantly changing experience. The stones used in this structure came from local quarries, connecting the building to the island's landscape.
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