A meeting facility in Nakanoshima. The elegant red brick building, based on the Neo-Renaissance style with baroque elements, is a landmark of Nakanoshima. The Osaka Central Public Hall construction was completed in 1918, which was paid by Einosuke Iwamoto, who was known as a "speculator of chivalrous" 's donation only.
Since its opening, it has played a significant role as a center for cultural and artistic communication, holding operas and concerts by international artists and giving lectures by historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Helen Keller.
Due to the deterioration of the building, conservation and rehabilitation work began in 1999. After three and a half years, the symbol of Nakanoshima was beautifully restored in 2002. It became the first public hall building in western Japan to be designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is currently rented out as a meeting room, a conference room that can be used for lectures, seminars, and concerts.
A part of the first basement floor is open to visitors. "The exhibition room" displays items related to Einosuke Iwamoto as well as valuable materials and photos about the history of the building from its founding to its preservation and restoration. In the "free tour area," you can see the chairs preserved as they were when they were first built, with the metal fittings for hanging hats still on the back of the seats.
The guided tour for the advanced reservation system with fees by the public hall staff is also famous.
There are two guided tours:10:00 to 10:30 &11:00 to 11:30. You can also get special access to the "Exhibition Room" and the "Special Room," which used to be the noble guest room when the hall was first built. There is an essential course: guided tour only, and a Special course includes lunch and souvenirs from the Nakanoshima Social Eat Awake restaurant on the first basement floor. The restaurant is also open to non-tourists.
※for the detailed schedule, please refer to "Guided Tours" on the Public Hall website.
Highlights
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The elegant red brick building is a landmark of Nakanoshima.
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It is the first public hall building in western Japan designated as a national important cultural property.
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The exhibition room on the first basement floor is open to the public, and you can learn about the history of the public hall from its inception.
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The guided tours for the advanced reservation system with fees are also popular.
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The restaurant "Nakanoshima Social Eat Awake" is located on the first basement floor.