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The Chichu Art Museum is a subterranean museum created in 2004 under the Benesse Corporation. The name of the museum literally means "art museum in the earth". It is located in Naoshima island in the Kagawa prefecture. 

The museum was designed by architect Tadao Ando. It was built underground so as to avoid affecting the natural scenery of the Seto Inland sea. The museum is part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima project which aims to rethink the relationship between nature and people through a collection of art galleries, museums, and high-end hotel experiences while promoting the beauty of nature. 

With its minimalist structure and the glow of natural light that illuminates the pieces, the Chichu Art Museum itself is an artwork of its own. The museum is open from 10AM to 6PM, except on Mondays. 

Photo by Forgemind Archimedia. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Tags: tradition, museum, Chichu Art Museum, Kagawa, Benesse Corporation, Tadao Ando, Benesse Art Site Naoshima