Gallery Saikai (Reunion) is a southern European-style building located not far from Tsutenkaku Tower. Designed by architect ISHII Osamu (1922-2007), it was built in 1953 as the "Reunion" cafe and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
With its geometric gable decoration and balcony with twisted pillars, "Reunion" looks like a stage production. Attracted by its beauty, stars of the silver screen often visited the building. After the cafe closed, the president of the nearby "Radium Onsen" took over its operation, and in 1997 it was revived as "Gallery Reunion.
The interior is open to the public on a limited basis during monthly live music concerts and at the "Living Architecture Museum" held every fall to introduce Osaka's fascinating architecture, and is open to the public. As the museum is called a gallery, the paintings by FUJITA Tsuguharu, ODA Hiroki, and others on display inside the building are also worth seeing*.
*As of November 2023. The exhibited works may change depending on the time of year.
Address | 1-4-13 Ebisu-Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka |
Access from the nearest station | 5-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line |
Hours | Available only once a month during live concerts |
Admission | Live music concert ticket required |
Note | No admission except during the event period. |
Official Website |
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