中ノ島美術館ロゴ

中ノ島美術館ロゴ

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Archives

Archival Research Room

The Archival Research Room is a facility designed for surveys and research using information sources held by the museum.
The Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka manages and ensures long term storage of the following items as museum information sources.

1. Institutional archives

Items produced by the museum

  • Documents relating to the activities of the museum that are not currently in active use (history of the creation of the collection and restoration histories, and documents and records relating to exhibitions and other projects)
  • Museum publications, including catalogues, annual reports, and bulletins
  • Archives produced or gathered by the curatorial staff as museum research activities (records of oral history research, etc.)

2. Collection archives

A body of historical records actively collected on the basis of the museum’s collection focus (materials that provide various information regarding art history, trends, artists, and holdings)

  • Primary sources (manuscripts, sketchbooks, texts, photographs, documentary video, etc.) that can be the basis for inquiry activities such as establishing history or evaluation/criticism
    Archival collections related to the Gutai Art Association (personal archives of Gutai members, including Yoshihara JIro [A021-S1], Yoshida Toshio [A021-S2], and Murakami Saburo [A035]; Gutai Art Association’s administrative records [A021-S3]; art critic Takahashi Toru’s manuscripts and library (part) [A034])
    Mannensha Archives (corporate archives [A003], personal archives of 3rd CEO Kurihara Noboru [A037], Keihan Electric Railway commercials [A038])
  • Rare publications such as rare books, artists’ hand-bound books, pre-war magazines, jounrals, etc.
    PRESARTO (PRESARTO explanation pamphlet and associated print advertising, related print advertising (miscellaneous), PRESARTO facsimile edition [SC023] Rare magazines: Osaka Puck [SC035], Kansai Bijutsu [SC054], Sanae [SC038], Verve: artistic and literary quarterly [SC026], etc.
  • Books originally belonging to artists, collectors, researchers, galleries

Holdings archives database

Library collection databaes


Access to information sources

The Archival Research Room is equipped with viewing devices (four tablets). Archive items unsuited for direct viewing due to reasons such as conservation considerations or the characteristics of the original are given priority for digitalization, so that they can be viewed as digital reproductions. (Additional items are continually being added.)

Anyone requiring access to originals of the museum’s information sources for research purposes can view the originals directly at the museum with an advance reservation for use of the Viewing Room. To view originals, read the cautions set out below and apply using an online reservation form at least two weeks before the required date.

* Application forms for reservations are available in Archives Reference Room. Reservations can also be made by telephone.

Opening hours

Tuesday–Saturday (closed at the year end/New Year, public holidays, the next weekday when Monday is a public holiday, special preparation periods)
10:00–17:00 (last entry to reserved viewing room is 16:00)
Drinks must not be brought into the room, and Archival Research Room equipment must not be taken out of the room.

Cautions for use of the Viewing Room

Reservations

  • Currently, use of the Viewing Room is restricted to only one person at a time. (Under normal circumstances, up to four people can use the room at the same time. )
  • When making a reservation, specify the archive group ID for the item required, along with the filename and title of item etc. given in the database. In the case of books or magazines, specify the archive group ID and publication information (title, volume no.). Refer to the Archival Research Room database and to OPAC.
  • Only items reserved in advance are available for viewing. Additional items cannot be requested at the room.
  • When it is not clear whether the item sought is in the collection, or it is difficult to specify the item clearly, inquire in advance by email or phone. Assistance for specifying reference information is not available at the Archival Research Room.
    With the exception of rare books (precious books), viewing of ordinary books (magazines) may be refused in cases when the objective is unrelated to that of the archives (provenance, original holder, etc.) .
  • Some archives may be unavailable to due to their content, state, or circumstances related to processing. When actual documents are deteriorated, photographic copies may be provided for viewing instead.
  • Audio recordings and videos are normally made available as reproductions. If an appropriate copy is not available for access, applications for access can stil be made. In such circumstances, the cost of conversion (digitalization, file production) will be charged.
  • If the museum needs to close temporarily as a result of the museum closing on the day due to natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances, access to the room will be unavailable on the day. You will be contacted with notification of an alternative day on the day before the reservation if the museum closing is decided is advance. If closing of the museum is decided on the day of the reservation, you will be contacted when the museum reopens.

Use of the Viewing Room

  • To use the reserved viewing room, all personal items other than a PC, tablet, smartphone, notebooks, and writing implements must be placed in the locker provided (including jackets, bags, etc.).
  • Eating is not permitted in the room. Only drinks can be brought in, and only if in a container with a lid.
  • In cases where the required viewing materials are located in multiple boxes (Box1–), the boxes must be used one at a time, returning materials to the box and checking the content before moving on to the next box.
  • Before viewing original items, wash hands and ensure compliance with all other basic rules.
  • Basic rules
    Do not use writing instruments other than pencils.
    Do not write directly onto the item being viewed, or delete anything written on it.
    Do not bend or cut the item being viewed.
    Do not remove the item being viewed from the room,
    Do not handle photographs without wearing gloves.
    If an item sustains damage due to handling when being viewed, report the damage immediately.

Copies of materials

  • There is no copy machine in the reserved viewing room. Photography using digital cameras, or cameras incoporated into smartphones, tablets, etc. If required, make sure to bring your device.
  • When photographing items to make a copy, use the dedicated backing sheet with spaces for writing the date and the name of the item.
  • Ensure that flash functions are turned off before taking photgraphs.
  • Use of photographs taken is permitted within the scope of personal usage. Photographs taken cannot be used in publications. A separate application is required for copying or usage for publication or broadcasting, etc.

Materials for viewing

Copyright

With the exception of archives for which the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka holds the copyright, copyright is managed separately for each archive. When using materiels that are the copyright of a third party, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the rights are handled properly in compliance with Japan’s Copyright Act.

Invasion of privacy/information enabling individuals to be identified

Some of the archives include confidential information with the potential to cause harm to third parties (living individuals or corporate entitites) unrelated to donors or former owners (or their estates). The exceptions to the restrictions on provision of such information to third parties do not apply to the museum, so the information is only made available for viewing after the passage of sufficient time.

Inquiries

TEL:06-6479-0558
Email:archives@nakka-art.jp