The Teshima Art Museum

An architectural feat

The Teshima Museum, the work of artist Rei Naito and architect Ryue Nishizawa, sits on a hill on Teshima Island, overlooking the Seto Islands. The museum was commissioned in 2004 by Soichiro Fukutake, who wanted to create a place where "art, architecture and nature would be one", and continue the "art island" project already operated on Naoshima Island After several visits to the island, the architect Ryu Nishizawa imagined the structure that you can visit today: a concrete building, supposed to represent the drop of water, at the moment of the impact on It was extremely difficult to bring Nishizawa's hand-drawn plans to life. In fact, the structure is 60 meters long, 40 meters wide, with a total height of 4.5 meters. The thickness of the concrete does not exceed 25 centimeters in width, and is not supported by any wall or pillar. It took no less than 120 cement mixers to arrive at the final result!

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Unparalleled harmony

A sensory experience at the heart of Matrix

At the heart of the Teshima Art Museum is “Matrix”, the unique, minimalist work by artist Rei Naito. The installation is designed to be in perfect symbiosis with the architecture of the building and its natural surroundings. The experience begins as soon as visitors enter the museum, where they are invited to remove their shoes, immediately creating a more intimate connection with the space.

The “Matrix” work is composed mainly of water, which slowly emerges from the ground in small droplets. These water droplets form tiny rivulets that move gently over the slightly sloping surface of the concrete floor. The movement of the water is influenced by subtle surface variations and gravity, creating ever-changing patterns.

The experience is deeply sensory. Visitors are encouraged to observe in silence, to listen to the subtle sound of water, to feel the fresh air entering through the openings in the roof, and to perceive the changes in light as the day progresses. Almost imperceptible elements, such as fine wires floating in the air or small pebbles scattered on the ground, add to the delicacy of the installation.

Each visit to “Matrix” is unique, influenced by weather conditions, the time of day and even the season. The work thus becomes a living meditation on the cycles of nature, the birth of life and our connection with the environment. This immersive, contemplative experience invites visitors to slow down, observe closely and reflect on their own place in the natural world.

A museum in perfect harmony with nature

The Teshima Art Museum is designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Located on a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The rice terraces that surround the museum are not only decorative, they are an integral part of the artistic experience and a reminder of the island's agricultural history.

The museum is approached via a winding path that meanders through nature, offering changing views of the sea and neighboring islands. This approach route is designed to gradually prepare visitors for the experience that awaits them inside the museum. It provides a smooth transition between the outside world and the contemplative space of the museum.

Inside, the fusion of art and nature reaches its peak. Large openings in the roof allow natural light, wind and even rain to penetrate the space. These natural elements thus become active components of the “Matrix” work. The subtle changes in light over the course of the day and the seasons constantly transform the atmosphere inside the museum.

Visiting information

The Teshima Art Museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 5pm from March to October, and from 10am to 4pm from November to February. Advance booking is recommended, especially during the high season and on weekends. Admission is 1,570 yen (approx. 12 euros) for adults, and free for children under 15.

To reach Teshima Island, ferries depart regularly from the port of Takamatsu (Kagawa prefecture) and the neighboring island of Naoshima. Once on the island, the museum can be reached by bus from the main port of Ieura, or by bicycle for the more athletic. Electric bike rental is available at the port and is an excellent way to explore the island.

A few important rules to observe when visiting the island:

• Shoes must be removed on entering the museum.
• Photos and videos are strictly forbidden inside the museum.
• Silence is requested to preserve the contemplative atmosphere.
• We recommend that you allow at least one hour for your visit.

For a complete experience of art on the island, we recommend you also visit Teshima's other art installations, such as Teshima Yokoo House or Christian Boltanski's Archives du Coeur. The Shima Kitchen restaurant, designed as a work of art, offers a gourmet break with local produce.

The museum's impact on Teshima Island and contemporary art

The opening of the Teshima Art Museum in 2010 has had a considerable impact on the island and its community. Once known primarily for its environmental problems linked to illegal industrial waste, Teshima is now internationally recognized as a leading art destination. This transformation has breathed new life into the island, attracting visitors from all over the world and creating new economic opportunities for local residents.

The museum has played a key role in revitalizing local agriculture. The once-abandoned rice terraces surrounding the museum have been restored and are now actively cultivated. This project has not only improved the aesthetics of the landscape, but has also contributed to local food production, boosting the island's self-sufficiency.

On the artistic front, the Teshima Art Museum has redefined the relationship between art, architecture and nature. Its unique approach, which fuses these three elements into a coherent experience, has influenced many contemporary artists and architects. The museum has become a model for similar projects around the world, demonstrating how art can be used as a tool for social and environmental regeneration.

The museum is an integral part of the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival held every three years in the region. This event attracts thousands of visitors and has put the Seto Inland Sea on the world map of contemporary art. The success of the Teshima Art Museum and Triennale has inspired other art projects on neighboring islands, creating a unique network of art islands in the region.

Ultimately, the Teshima Art Museum is much more than just a tourist attraction. It embodies a new approach to contemporary art, where the artwork becomes an immersive experience that engages all the senses and encourages deep reflection on our relationship with nature. Its impact continues to be felt, not only on the island of Teshima, but in the world of contemporary art as a whole.