Tadao Ando Exhibition: Youth (March 20 – July 22, 2024)
Experience the architectural journey of Tadao Ando, from his Osaka origins to his global impact, in this immersive exhibition.
From March 20th (Thursday/Holiday) to July 22nd (Monday/Holiday), 2024, the Tadao Ando Exhibition | Youth will be held at the VS. cultural facility in Grand Green Osaka. This large-scale solo exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Ando’s career, highlighting his innovative approach to architecture and his enduring theme of "eternal youth."
A Self-Taught Architect’s Unconventional Path
Born in Osaka, Tadao Ando pursued architectural design independently, commencing his activities in 1969. Since then, he has consistently produced groundbreaking architectural works that challenge conventional thinking. This exhibition follows the successful "Tadao Ando Exhibition | Challenge" held at The National Art Center, Tokyo in 2017, which welcomed 300,000 visitors. It showcases Ando’s remarkable journey, extending from his Osaka roots to the international stage, and offers a glimpse into his ongoing vision for the future.
Immersive Experience at the VS. Venue
The exhibition is hosted at VS., a cultural facility within Grand Green Osaka, specifically chosen for its unique features. Notably, the venue incorporates water installations, allowing for a full-scale reproduction of Ando’s early masterpiece, "Church on the Water."
Within the 15-meter-high exhibition space, visitors can engage with Ando’s creative process through an immersive video environment that surrounds his representative works. This multi-sensory experience allows for a deeper understanding of Ando’s architectural philosophy.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the dedicated installation showcasing models, video, and music that chronicle the 37-year evolution of Naoshima, a location that has been intrinsically linked with Ando’s work.
Exhibition Details
- Dates: March 20, 2024 (Thursday/Holiday) – July 22, 2024 (Monday/Holiday)
- Closed: Every Monday (Open if Monday is a national holiday)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- Location: VS. (6-86 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Grand Green Osaka, Umekita Park North Park)
- Price:
- Advance/Same-day: General ¥1,800, University students ¥1,500, High school students ¥1,000
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
- Contact: https://vsvs.jp/contact
- WEB/SNS: Website / Instagram
Who is Tadao Ando?
Tadao Ando is a Japanese architect known for his minimalist designs that integrate modern elements with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Born in Osaka in 1941, Ando’s path to architecture was unconventional. He began as a professional boxer and later taught himself architecture through travel and self-study, bypassing formal education.
Ando’s work often employs concrete, light, and space to create tranquil environments. His designs are marked by clean lines and open spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Notable projects include the Church of the Light in Osaka, the Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum, and the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in St. Louis.
Ando has received numerous awards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995, recognizing his impact on contemporary architecture. His work continues to influence architects globally, particularly in his innovative use of materials and his focus on creating spaces that connect people with their environment.
