- Naoshima Island - Chichu Art museum
This Japanese island has a population of around 3,000 people and is famous for its many museums and art installations. This island is a full experience, starting with arriving by boat next to a giant yellow pumpkin. Different museums and installations are scattered between in the houses (and even in the houses) and nature. My favorite museum was the Chichu (Japanese for underground) art museum. The architecture is impressive, but at the same time simple to make sure there’s a focus on the art and installations. Most of the building is underground, as can be seen in the figure below. But it was designed to let in an abundance of natural light, transforming the appearance of the housed artworks as daylight changes. The light concrete walls and natural light give a peaceful yet aesthetically appealing effect. The museum was constructed to rethink the relationship between people and nature.
- Isabella Steward Garden museum
This house museum is Boston is full of history, not only did the world’s biggest art heist happen here, also it hasn’t changed since Isabella died in 1898 (as demanded in her will). The uniqueness of this museum is that everything is left as she left it. Therefore, unlike contemporary exhibitions this museum feels messy, overwhelming, but mostly captivating! Some paintings hang too low or too high, some too close to each other. The lighting isn’t optimized and it quickly becomes crowded in the small rooms. But all of this makes you feel as if you were entering Isabella’s own house so many years go. The courtyard garden blooms differently in every seasons, and every time you go you notice another impressive art piece.
