National Museum of Art, Osaka

The National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO) is a singular space: it is completely underground, on the island of Nakanoshima, surrounded by the Dojima and Tosabori rivers right in the centre of the city. Only its entrance and the spectacular structural steel that emerges from the ground reveal its presence; the building was designed by the architect César Pelli with an aesthetic inspired by Japanese bamboo. Inside, two underground floors house a permanent collection of around 8.200 works of modern and contemporary art, with special emphasis on post-war Japanese and international artists since 1945, together with an important selection of art from the Kansai region. The temporary exhibitions are usually of a high level, with loans from international museums. The opening hours are 10:00 to 17:00 Tuesday to Sunday (until 20:00 on Fridays), closed on Mondays. Prices vary according to the temporary exhibition; the permanent collection usually has a reduced fare. To get there, take the subway to Higobashi (Yotsubashi line) and walk five minutes to the museum. Nakanoshima is a pleasant district to stroll before or after the visit.