Nintendo Museum Expands with New Art Gallery in Japan
▼ Summary
– The Nintendo Museum in Japan is adding an art gallery extension, set to open on 3rd September, featuring game artwork like character illustrations and concept art.
– The museum is located near Kyoto on the site of Nintendo’s former hanafuda manufacturing plant, which opened in 1969.
– The art gallery has sparked speculation about displaying rare or never-before-seen artwork, such as original designs by Shigeru Miyamoto.
– The Nintendo Museum, which opened in October last year, includes exhibits on Nintendo’s history, minigames, and a gift shop, but lacks in-depth explanations about the displays.
– The museum was updated in April with a Switch 2 exhibit and also features a Virtual Boy display, though visitors have noted it doesn’t reveal much new about Nintendo as a company.
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto is expanding its offerings with a brand-new art gallery set to open this September, giving fans a deeper look into the visual history of the company’s iconic games. Located on the site of Nintendo’s former hanafuda card factory, the museum will now showcase an extensive collection of rare character illustrations, concept art, and other behind-the-scenes artwork that shaped beloved franchises like Mario and Zelda.
Scheduled to debut on September 3rd, the gallery will occupy the second floor of the museum’s exhibition building. While details remain scarce, speculation is already building about whether visitors might get a glimpse of Shigeru Miyamoto’s original sketches or early digital designs that have never been publicly displayed before.
Since opening in October last year, the Nintendo Museum has drawn crowds with its interactive exhibits, nostalgic game displays, and oversized controller-themed merchandise. However, some visitors have noted that while the experience is immersive, it doesn’t always delve deep into the company’s creative process. The new art gallery could change that, offering a more intimate look at the artistic vision behind Nintendo’s most famous titles.
Earlier this year, the museum also introduced a Switch 2 exhibit, keeping its displays fresh ahead of the upcoming console launch. For those lucky enough to secure tickets—a challenge given high demand—the expanded museum promises an even richer dive into Nintendo’s legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual gamer, the chance to see never-before-shared artwork makes this a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.
For now, the question remains: will this new gallery finally pull back the curtain on Nintendo’s creative secrets, or will it leave visitors wanting more? Either way, it’s sure to be a highlight for anyone exploring the world of gaming history.
(Source: Eurogamer)
