February 11 (Tuesday, National Holiday) to April 6 (Sunday): Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Special Exhibition "400 Years of the Tokugawa Osaka Castle – The Form of the Castle and the Shape of the City -"
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is hosting a special exhibition commemorating a pivotal moment in the city’s history. Titled "400 Years of the Tokugawa Osaka Castle – The Form of the Castle and the Shape of the City -", the exhibition runs from February 11th, a Tuesday and National Holiday, to April 6th, a Sunday, in 2025.
A Transformative Era
Following the Summer Siege of Osaka, the landscape of the city underwent a dramatic transformation. The victorious Tokugawa clan initiated a comprehensive reconstruction of Osaka Castle and its surrounding town. These efforts, initiated 400 years ago, laid the groundwork for the modern Osaka we know today. The exhibition seeks to illuminate this crucial period, offering visitors a unique perspective on the city’s evolution.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The exhibition showcases a variety of artifacts and displays designed to transport visitors back in time:
- Reproduction Models (1/10 Scale): Marvel at meticulously crafted 1/10 scale models of the Ohiroma (large hall) and the Copper Palace, both integral components of the Osaka Castle Palace during the Tokugawa shogunate. These models offer a tangible glimpse into the architectural grandeur of the era.
- Works by Kano Tan’yu: Admire the artistry of Kano Tan’yu, a prominent painter of the early Edo period, whose works are featured in the exhibition.
- Construction-Related Materials: Examine materials that provide insights into the construction techniques and processes employed during the castle’s reconstruction.
- Folding Screens of Early Edo Period Osaka: Immerse yourself in the cityscape of early Edo period Osaka through detailed depictions on folding screens, which served as valuable reference materials for the exhibition.
Visitor Information
- Exhibition Period: 2025/2/11 (Tue/Holiday) – 4/6 (Sun)
- Closed: Tuesdays (except 2/11, which is a National Holiday)
- Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
- Venue: Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, 8th Floor Planning Exhibition Room (6-4-20 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
- Fee: 500 yen for the special exhibition only.
- Admission is free for individuals presenting an original disability certificate, Mirairo ID, or for Osaka City residents aged 65 and over (original certificate required). One caregiver per eligible individual is also granted free entry.
- Contact: 06-6242-1170
- WEB/SNS: Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
What is the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living?
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living explores the development of urban life in Osaka from the Edo period to today. Situated in the Tenjinbashi district, the museum is known for its detailed exhibits that recreate historical streets and homes. A notable feature is the full-scale replica of an Edo-period street, complete with shops and residences, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the past. The museum also includes interactive displays and models that demonstrate the architectural and cultural changes in the city over time. These exhibits offer insights into the daily lives of Osaka’s residents, making the museum an interesting destination for those curious about Japan’s cultural history.
