National Museum of Art, Osaka
Built almost entirely underground to preserve the island's skyline, the National Museum of Art is best known for its sculptural above-ground entrance before you even reach the collection, which spans modern Japanese and international art across several subterranean levels.
Nakanoshima Museum of Art
A short walk away, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art focuses on modern and contemporary work, housed in a striking black cube of a building that's become a landmark of the island in its own right since opening.
Planning the visit
Both museums are walkable from each other and from the historic Osaka Central Public Hall, making a single half-day loop realistic even without rushing — start at one end of the island and let the rose garden in Nakanoshima Park be your midway break.