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2024.11.25
A look at the Osaka City Central Public Hall, an iconic landmark and unique venue
Venue at a Glance: Osaka City Central Public Hall
The Osaka City Central Public Hall, a renowned historical landmark located the center of Osaka on what is known as Nakanoshima island, is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture. This magnificent building has long been cherished as an iconic symbol of the city. Today, it serves as a premier meeting and events facility, able to host a wide range of business events including conventions, exhibitions, cultural events, international conferences, and exhibitions. This article will provide an overview of the Osaka City Central Public Hall, along with specific examples of its use and the unique appeal it offers as a meeting and event venue.
Venue Overview
Osaka City Central Public Hall was completed in 1918 thanks to a donation from Einosuke Iwamoto, a stockbroker in the nearby Kitahama commercial district. Since then, the venue has hosted numerous business events such as operas, concerts, and lectures, playing a pivotal role in the development of Osaka’s culture and arts scene.
Osaka City Central Public Hall is located in Nakanoshima, an area rich in water and greenery where administrative, economic, and cultural facilities are concentrated. Situated on a long and narrow strip of land between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River, this area has thrived as a commercial and logistics hub since the 17th century, and has since evolved into a center for culture and academia. Today, known as Aqua Metropolis Osaka, it is a popular area for both business and tourism.
Osaka City Central Public Hall is an indispensable symbol of Nakanoshima.
In 1999, a large-scale preservation and restoration project was undertaken to address the building's aging infrastructure. After three and a half years of construction, the renovation was completed in 2002. This renovation improved the building's seismic resistance and added new features such as ramps and elevators, transforming it into an accessible facility. In December 2004, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government, solidifying its position as a landmark of Osaka. Today, it attracts attention as an iconic and historic venue for meetings and events.
The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau positions the Osaka City Central Public Hall as an iconic and defining unique venue, used for an incredible array of events.
Osaka City Central Public Hall as a Venue
Facilities
Main Hall
The 1,161-person capacity Main Hall is a majestic space featuring a modern chandelier and a gilded stage edge. Equipped with advanced sound systems, lighting, stage equipment, and a lift stage, it is suitable for a wide range of events including lectures, concerts, theatrical performances, and fashion shows. It is also an excellent choice for large-scale business events such as film screenings and conventions. The classic decorations that evoke a century of history create a special atmosphere.
Medium Hall
The Medium Hall, reminiscent of a grand palace hall, is a splendid European-style space that can accommodate up to 500 people. The high arched ceiling, historic chandeliers, and stained glass windows create a luxurious atmosphere. Equipped with sound and lighting systems as well as a grand piano, the Medium Hall can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including concerts, dance parties, lectures, and presentations. It is an elegant space that offers a different ambiance day and night.
Small Hall
The Small Hall, characterized by its distinct wooden stylings, can accommodate up to 90 people in a classroom-style seating arrangement or up to 150 people in a theater-style. In addition to lectures and presentations, it can be used as a concert venue with its sound system and grand piano.
Special Room
Originally used as a VIP room, the Special Room features paintings of Japanese mythology on the ceiling and walls. The stained glass windows beautifully depict the phoenix, a symbol of celebration, and the Osaka city emblem. The fusion of Japanese and Western styles, with craftsmanship evident in every detail, creates a magnificent and artistic atmosphere. With a capacity of 32 people, it is used for formal gatherings, photo shoots, and exhibitions.
Venue Location
| Address: | 1-1-27 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0005 |
|---|---|
| Access: | 5 min. Walk from Yodoyabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line 1 min. walk from Naniwabashi Station on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line |
| Website: | https://osaka-chuokokaido.jp/ |
| Phone: | 06-6208-2002 |
Past Events at the Osaka City Central Public Hall
With its beautiful exterior and interior design and historical value, Osaka City Central Public Hall has served as a venue for an incredible amount of meetings and events that leverage its unique characteristics. Here are three successful MICE case studies that highlight the appeal of the venue.
1. Special Needs Educucation Materials Exhibition in Osaka
Held on August 20 and 21, 2024, this exhibition showcased educational materials and tools developed from a special needs education perspective for elementary, junior high, and special education school teachers and childcare professionals. The over 200 materials and tools on display were handmade by the organizers, who had listened to the voices of children directly as their teachers. This event provided a platform to introduce effective support materials to teachers who value real-life learning and living for children.
2. Osaka Electro-Communication University Department of Architecture Joint Production Exhibition 2023: Vortex
Held from January 30 to February 2, 2024, this exhibition showcased the graduation works of fourth-year architecture students, as well as selected works from first, second, and third-year students, and master's theses and research from second-year students in the Graduate School of Architecture. Additionally, the exhibition featured a prototype of a robotic electric wheelchair from the Department of Electronic Mechanical Engineering, which was showcased at the Cybathlon international competition, as well as videos and panels related to student game works exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2023 from the Department of Digital Games.
3. 11th International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications
Held from September 22 to 27, 2019, the 11th International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications was the largest academic event in the field of inertial fusion, rotating among France, Japan, and the United States since its inception in 1999. This vital convention brought together researchers and engineers who contributed to the advancement of inertial fusion by discussing the latest research findings, technical challenges, and future applications.
In Closing
Osaka City Central Public Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property with a century-long history, supports a variety of business events as a modern venue equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The fusion of its architectural beauty and the latest technology enables a wide range of uses, from corporate events and international conferences to tourism events. Moreover, business events held at the Central Public Hall offer a unique experience for attendees, as the building itself provides exceptional value. Consider hosting your next business event at Osaka City Central Public Hall, where business, culture, and tourism intersect.
See more info on using the Osaka City Central Public Hall as a venue here: