Explore Osaka’s vibrant cultural scene with a visit to its top museums. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living offers a journey through the city’s housing history, showcasing exhibits from the late Edo period to the Showa era, and hosting thematic exhibitions throughout the year. Operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission ranges from 300 to 600 yen, with free entry for specific groups. The Osaka Science Museum, located in the Nakanoshima district, captivates visitors with its planetarium projecting over 9,000 stars and interactive exhibition halls. The National Museum of Art, Osaka, housed underground on Nakanoshima Island, stands as Japan’s first national contemporary art museum, fostering cross-cultural dialogue through avant-garde art since 1977. Open to exploration from Higobashi Station or the Keihan Nakanoshima Line, it provides a unique perspective on post-World War II cultural shifts.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (大阪くらしの今昔館)
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living explores the history of housing in Osaka with exhibits on the late Edo period and urban landscapes of the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. It hosts thematic exhibitions five times a year. Operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Tuesdays and holidays, admission is 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for students, with free entry for certain groups. Online tickets and annual passports are available.
Osaka Science Museum (大阪市立科学館)
The Osaka Science Museum, located in the Nakanoshima district, focuses on cosmos and energy themes. It features a planetarium with a large dome projecting over 9,000 stars, exceeding normal visibility limits. The museum includes exhibition halls for interactive learning, a Science Show by knowledgeable curators, and amenities like a shop and café-restaurant for a complete visitor experience.
The National Museum of Art, Osaka (国立国際美術館)
The National Museum of Art, located underground on Nakanoshima Island, is Japan’s first national contemporary art museum. Established in 1977, it moved to its current location in 2004, resembling a bamboo shoot. Focused on post-World War II cultural shifts, it fosters cross-cultural dialogue, challenging conventional notions through avant-garde contemporary art. Accessible from Higobashi Station or the Keihan Nakanoshima Line, it encourages exploration into the world of contemporary art.
