Chikatsu-Asuka Historical Museum

The Chikatsu-Asuka Historical Museum (1994) designed by Tadao Ando.

This museum dedicated to the prehistoric kofun culture and specifically it's burial mounds, 200 of which are located in Osaka prefecture, formally and symbolically references the burial mounds themselves. The building is set amongst the beautiful natural environment of plum trees, ponds and walking paths throughout the surrounding hills which the building is integrated with through its stepped roof and concrete walls that follow the terrain and form small pockets into which the landscapes extends. Despite the museums size the building plays an intergral role in the landscape without being intrusive.

The building reinforces and reminds the visitor of the role of the museum and the burial mounds which are visible from selected vantage points on the building and from within the landscape without being contrived or overtly obvious. It is the subtle handling of the cultural significance of the building that enhances both the experience of the building and of the museum.