Opened in 1977, aiming at the study, collection, storing and exhibition of domestic and foreign modern artworks, the National Museum of Art, Osaka has, since then, been devoted to systematically collecting from inside and outside the country, historically valuable modern artworks created since World War II, as well as holding many exhibitions to show its collection. The former building was an international exposition museum that was constructed when a Japanese exposition was held in 1970 and then moved to Nakanoshima, Osaka in 2004 when the facilities became outdated.
The building, which was designed by César Pelli, has a unique structure in which all the main parts that carry out the function of the museum are underground.