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Tadao Ando, the maverick architect.
An exhibition which gives a panoramic view of his path of challenge and visions of the future spreading from Osaka to the world, will be held under the organization of the VS. joint partnership (TOTAL MEDIA DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE CO., LTD. ・ NOMURA TAKUYA OFFICE, INC.）

Born in Osaka and self-taught in architecture, Tadao Ando began his architectural career in 1969. Since then, he has continuously challenged conventional norms with groundbreaking architectural works. From the 1990s onwards, his work has gained international recognition while also focusing on social initiatives such as environmental restoration and disaster recovery. His dynamic and multifaceted contributions have been highly regarded both in Japan and internationally.

This exhibition, held in Osaka—his long-time base—presents a comprehensive view of his ambitious journey, capturing his past challenges, present work, and vision for the future.

Experience his passion and energy firsthand by visiting the venue, VS. (in Grand Green Osaka)—a key part of Osaka’s urban regeneration project, in which Ando has been deeply involved for many years.

The exhibition consists of two zones, “Trace of Challenges” and “Tadao Ando now ” The first zone shows all of Ando's past representative works, from houses to prayer spaces, museums, and other cultural facilities. The second zone shows Ando's current work, from long-term works such as the “Naoshima projects” to the rebirth of historical buildings represented by the “Bourse de Commerce” and social projects such as the “Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest”.

Throughout the exhibition the messages from Ando, the Fighting Architect who has been at the forefront for half a century and is still living in his “youth,” will give you great inspiration.

Tadao Ando – Architect
Born in Osaka in 1941, Tadao Ando is a self-taught architect who founded Tadao Ando Architect & Associates in 1969.
He has served as a visiting professor at Yale, Columbia, and Harvard, and was a professor at the University of Tokyo from 1997. He is now an emeritus professor.

Highlights of the Exhibition
•       An Immersive 15-meter High Projection Space
A powerful, immersive 3D visual experience showcasing Ando’s most iconic works, pushing the boundaries of virtual space.
•       Full-scale Recreation of a Legendary Space
The exhibition will feature a life-sized reconstruction of Ando’s early masterpiece, Church on the Water, offering a unique sensory experience.
•       37 Years of Naoshima’s Story
A journey through the 37-year history of Naoshima Island with globally renowned Ando presented through models, video, and music installations.


About VS.
VS. opened in September 2024 in the center of Grand Green Osaka, Umekita Park. It features an eye-catching cubic architecture, design supervised by Tadao Ando.  Most of the space exists underground and has an approximately 1,400 square meters studio-gallery space  , including Studio A which has a 15 meter ceiling height.
VS. is a cultural apparatus where diverse individuals and ideas inspire one another, deepen relationships by engaging in "productive confrontations", and give birth to new values through their respective creativity.
It offers a wide range of programs that transcend boundaries of art, culture, entertainment, and beyond. We invite you to experience VS. firsthand through your own Visions and Sensitivities.
vsvs.jp

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Exhibition overview
TADAO ANDO | YOUTH
Exhibition Period: March 20, 2025 (Thu) – July 21, 2025 (Mon)
Venue: VS. (in GRAND GREEN OSAKA)
*We are closed on Mondays except public holidays.
Open: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before public holidays: Open until 8:00 PM)
*Last entry will be 30 minutes before closing.

EXHIBITION WEBSITE including ticket information｜https://vsvs.jp/en/exhibitions/tadao-ando-youth
CONTACT｜https://vsvs.jp/contact


Organizer & Co-Organizer:
VS. Joint Partnership
Tadao Ando Architecture Exhibition Executive Committee


With the support of:
Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka City Government, Kansai Economic Federation, Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, KANSAI OSAKA 21st Century Association, Urban Renaissance Agency, Osaka Association of Architects & Building Engineers, FM COCOLO


With the sponsorship of:
Sekisui House, Ltd., Suntory Holdings Limited, MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO, Jo's Auction Co., Ltd., E.SUN BANK, ART MOVING COMPANY Co., Ltd., Abeno Center Building Co., Ltd., Alteka Corporation, Anson Corporation, EPO Capital Investment Co., Ltd., IwaiCosmo Securities Co., Ltd., Iwatani Corporation, XLab CO., LTD., KANEKA CORPORATION, Yuji Kurokawa, Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., CIMA Co., Ltd., GB Capital Partners Co., Ltd., Shinmyo Clinic Medical Corporation, Seikoin Kiyomizudera Religious Corporation, JUT GROUP, Pasona Group Inc., Hirota Securities Co., Ltd., RIVER INDUSTRY CO., Ltd., Lung Yen Life Service Co., Ltd., Rezil Inc., Rengo Co., Ltd., Ai-R Co., Ltd., Konan Shokuryo Co., Ltd., FUJIO FOOD GROUP INC., EXPRESS Co., Ltd., CAD CENTER CORPORATION, KOBE SHINBUN JIGYOSHA INC., YAMANE Co., Ltd. Kajima Corporation, TAKENAKA CORPORATION, HASEKO Corporation, TAISEI CORPORATION, Makoto Construction Co., Ltd., DAIKO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., SATOHIDE CORPORATION, Ebisu Kōsho Co., Ltd., NOMURA Co., Ltd., Union Corporation, KANAME KENSETSU Co., Ltd., MATSUSHITA INDUSTRY Co., Ltd., ASAHI BUILDING-WALL CO., LTD., inter office ltd., CASSINA IXC. Ltd., KINDEN CORPORATION, TAKASHIMAYA SPACE CREATE CO., LTD., OKAMURA CORPORATION, FUDEC CORPORATION, YKK AP Inc.


With the cooperation of:
MBS MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC., The Yomiuri Shimbun, West Japan Railway Company, Knowledge Capital Association

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Media contact *not open to the public

Photo credits for this press release photo (from the left):

1. Portrait：Photo Kazumi Kurigami

2. Hill of the Buddha　photo by Shigeo Ogawa

3. Church on the Water　photo by Yoshio Shiratori

4. Benesse House Museum + Oval　photo by Mitsuo Matsuoka

*Unauthorized use, reproduction, editing, or modification prohibited.