大阪歴史博物館　Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History will hold a special exhibition titled “Murano Togo: His Architectural and Interior Design Works” in the Special Exhibition Hall on the 6th floor from September 3 (Wed.) to October 13 (Mon., a national holiday), 2014.

Murano Togo (1891–1984) was one of Japan’s most successful architects, who mainly worked in Osaka. As this year marks the 30th anniversary of his death, we will hold an exhibition to showcase his great achievements in architectural materials and interior works.

In the early days of his career, Murano worked under the architect Watanabe Setsu, and undertook the design of Mengyo Kaikan Hall and other buildings. In 1929, Murano set up his own architectural practice and designed various landmark buildings that defined the cityscape of Osaka, including the former Sogo Department Store Osaka (no longer exists) and the Umeda Ventilation Tower. In total, he created more than 300 architectural works throughout Japan, of which hree were designated as Important Cultural Properties (e.g. the Guest House that is a renovation of the former Akasaka Detached Palace and a national treasure, and Watanabe Memorial Hall in Ube City) and two were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties (e.g. Osho Public Hall, a renovation of the former Osho village office building).

Though modernism became the main architectural trend in his time, Murano kept some distance from modern movement and focused instead on human sensitivity and craftsmanship in his works. This approach gave his architectural works a unique “soft” feel that gently stimulates the five senses, contrary to the widespread image of architecture as being hard and lifeless.

This exhibition explores the essence of his “soft” architectural works and his personality through his drawings and sketches, as well as pieces of furniture he designed, building components used in his works and tools he preferred to use.