The art blends with nature and architecture in BenesseArt Site Naoshima (Japan), a hybrid between a museum and hotel containing a wide selection of works from the most prestigious artists, including 100 Live and Die by Bruce Nauman. The work of Cai Guo-Qiang, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Claude Monet will blend perfectly with the surroundings, whether inside or outside the buildings.
Thus, the pieces of fiberglass boat of Shinro Ohtake protruding from the sand at water’s edge and Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin makes the quay a most unusual place. Works by Claude Monet and James Turrell are part of the Chichu Museum’s permanent exhibition, designed by Tadao Ando. Another work of Turrell, Backside of the Moon, is part of the Art House Project, a collection of four old buildings transformed by modern artists in art spaces.
The facility comes into view in total darkness, revealing the art in an unexpected way after the eyes adjust to the absence of light.
When to go: The cooler days of spring and autumn are ideal for exploring, but due to its proximity to the sea, the fog is present at midday throughout the year.
How to go: It’s about two hours of airports in Okayama and Takamatsu (bus, train and boat).
Do not miss the hot tub of Cultural Melting Bath, a park of rocks imported from China.
