The Museum’s History and Construction
Located within Naruto Park in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, the Otsuka Museum of Art opened in 1998 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Group. The museum was built at a total cost of approximately 40 billion yen, with architectural design by Sakakura Associates and construction by Takenaka Corporation.
Because the museum is situated within Setonaikai National Park, strict restrictions limited the building’s height to 13 meters. To accommodate its extensive exhibition spaces while complying with these regulations, the building incorporates five basement levels, making its construction a remarkable architectural undertaking.
How the Ceramic Artworks Are Created
The museum’s exhibits are produced using specialized technology developed by Otsuka Ohmi Ceramics. Images of famous paintings and other works of art from around the world are transferred onto ceramic panels and fired to create detailed, full-scale reproductions.
The collection spans the history of art from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Visitors can encounter masterpieces by renowned artists such as Johannes Vermeer, Leonardo da Vinci, and Pablo Picasso, experiencing the scale and visual impact of works that would otherwise require travel to museums across the world.
Unlike conventional paintings, these ceramic panels are highly resistant to natural disasters, fire, and fading caused by light. They can retain their colors and forms for more than 2,000 years, making this technique particularly valuable for the long-term preservation and appreciation of artistic heritage.
The reproductions undergo rigorous inspection, including reviews by Picasso’s descendants and directors of museums from around the world, helping ensure their quality and fidelity to the original artworks.
Major Highlights by Floor
B3F: Monumental Religious Art and European Masterpieces
Highlights include the Sistine Hall, reproducing the celebrated frescoes of the Sistine Chapel; the Scrovegni Chapel; the Vermeer Room; and wall paintings from the Church of Saint-Martin. These immersive displays allow visitors to appreciate the scale and atmosphere of historic religious art.
B2F: Renaissance and Baroque Masterpieces
This floor features Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, along with major works from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. Visitors can encounter reproductions of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
B1F: From Goya to Modern Art
The exhibits include the House of Goya and collections devoted to Baroque and modern art. Notable works include Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Edvard Munch’s The Scream, offering an opportunity to explore some of the most influential works in modern European art.
1F and 2F: Modern and Contemporary Art
The upper floors focus on modern and contemporary art, including Picasso’s monumental Guernica. Seeing this famous work at its original dimensions allows visitors to appreciate its immense scale and the intensity of its artistic expression.
Visitor Experience and Photography
Photography of the ceramic reproductions is permitted, making it possible to capture memories of the museum’s impressive displays. However, flash photography and the use of tripods are prohibited.
The museum is exceptionally large, with an exhibition route stretching approximately four kilometers from B3F to 2F. Exploring the entire collection in a single day can be challenging, especially for visitors who wish to study the artworks in detail. Returning on multiple occasions offers a better opportunity to discover the full range of exhibits.
A Unique Journey Through the History of Art
The Otsuka Museum of Art is more than a place to view reproductions. It serves an important educational role by making major works of art accessible to a broad audience while contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage. Its collection also includes reconstructions of artworks that no longer exist, as well as displays that extend into outdoor spaces.
For travelers visiting Naruto and the surrounding area, the museum offers a remarkable cultural experience. From ancient religious paintings to iconic modern masterpieces, visitors can explore centuries of artistic achievement without leaving Tokushima. Its life-size ceramic artworks make it an especially memorable destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the world’s cultural treasures.