About
The Otsuka Museum of Art in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, is a one-of-a-kind museum that faithfully recreates masterpieces from around the world at their original size using ceramic boards. Inside the museum, approximately 1,000 representative works from the history of Western art, spanning from ancient times to the modern era, are on display, inviting visitors on an artistic journey that transcends time and space.
Upon entering the museum, the first thing that catches your eye is the “Sistine Hall,” a faithful reproduction of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Looking up at the ceiling, you are overwhelmed by the grandeur of Michelangelo’s frescoes. This space is also known as the location where Kenshi Yonezu performed during the 2018 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, a memory still fresh for many people.
As you proceed through the museum, you will find Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” exhibited in both its pre-restoration and post-restoration states. By viewing these side by side, you can gain a deeper understanding of the changes brought by restoration and the historical background of the work.
Furthermore, there is an exhibition room where all seven of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” are gathered in one place—a display not to be missed. These works are scattered across the world, making it nearly impossible to see them all together in one location. However, at the Otsuka Museum of Art, that dream is realized. In particular, the recreation of the “phantom Sunflowers,” which were lost to war, evokes both the transience and the power of rebirth in art.
Stepping outside, you will find a garden displaying Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies.” Real water lilies bloom in the pond, creating a perfect harmony between the artwork and nature. Here, you can experience the world of light and water that Monet so loved.
The Otsuka Museum of Art is more than just an art museum; it is a place where you can experience the world’s masterpieces and the stories behind them. By visiting here, you will feel the universal appeal of art and the passion of those who strive to pass it on to future generations.