The ultimate art pilgrimage where you sleep inside the museum.
Contemporary art museum in Naoshima, Japan.
Featured in Tadao Ando's definitive monograph, Tadao Ando: Complete Works 1975–Today.
Visitor Guide
Book a room in the 'Oval' section; it’s accessible only via a private monorail and offers the most dramatic Ando architecture.
The 'Oval' reflecting pool at dusk, looking up through the circular aperture as the sky transitions to dark blue.
Museum open 8:00-21:00 (1500 JPY); free for hotel guests who enjoy exclusive 24-hour 'Night in the Museum' access.
The museum and hotel are buried into the hillside to maintain the natural profile of the island and protect the Inland Sea views.
Full day
Design & Structure
Ando used precisely poured concrete to create 'frames' for the landscape, utilizing 'zenithal light' through roof apertures.
Exposed silky-smooth concrete and glass; site-specific works are integrated into the building's very structure.
A subterranean complex that uses the earth as an insulator, minimizing the building's visual and environmental footprint on the island.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Benesse House — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Tadao Ando
View all →
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Piccadilly Gardens
Kaminoge Station
Clark Art Institute
Shikoku Mura
Onomichi City Museum of Art
Nearby in Naoshima
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Benesse House?+
Benesse House was designed by Tadao Ando and completed in 1992. It is located in Naoshima, Japan.
Where is Benesse House located?+
Benesse House is located in Naoshima, Japan. Its coordinates are 34.4450°, 133.9909°.
When was Benesse House built?+
Benesse House was completed in 1992. It was designed by Tadao Ando.
Can I visit Benesse House?+
Benesse House is a real building in Naoshima that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.