The project was conceived as a contemporary, volumetric version of a stroll garden.
The open-air Fine Arts Museum is situated below ground level to keep the view from the adjacent Botanical Gardens towards the Higashiyama mountains intact.
The museum displays reproductions of famous masterpieces on ceramic plates with permanent, weatherproof properties.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
The scheme is open; large concrete beams on massive pillars, overlapping bridges and ramps, walls of cascading water and pools with paintings floating on the water surface.
Circulation is intersected by massive concrete walls, allowing views from different angles, and adding depth and variety to the exhibition spaces.
The greenish glass railing, in contrast to the concrete and stone surfaces, interact with the water surface reflecting the different materials.
Photo: arcspace
Photo: arcspace
"The Last Judgement" by Michelangelo Buonarroti is displayed between two artificial waterfalls. Approximately the same size as the original (1430x1309).
The Last Judgement consists of 110 (60cmx3m) plates joined together to form the picture.
Photo: arcspace
"The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci's is framed with metallic I profiles and put on a pebble surface covered with water.
Approximately the same size as the original (432x886).
Photo: arcspace
"Road with Cypresses and Star" by Van Gogh.
Four times larger than the original (184x146).
"On the Terrace" by Renoir.
Four times bigger than the original (201x162)
"La Grande Jatte" by Seurat.
Approximately the same size as the original (205x305)
Photo: arcspace
Van Gogh, Renoir and Seurat from another angle.
Photo: arcspace
"Water Lilies - Morning" by Claude Monet
The ceramic art piece is approximately the same size as the original (200cmx1275cm).
Ceramic art is made first by creating a plate from positive film of a photo of the original painting. The plate is then transcribed on a ceramic board, which then undergoes a calcination process, accentuating the bright colors. Many plates are then put together to form a gigantic picture.
Sketch courtesy Tadao Ando
Drawing courtesy Tadao Ando
Plan
Drawing courtesy Tadao Ando
Section
Completed: 1994
Site area: 2,825 square meters
Building area: 28 square meters
Total floor area: 212 square meters
Visit THE IMAGE LIBRARY to download 16 higher quality Garden of Fine Arts images.
December 9, 2002
