Osaka Central Wholesale Market

Osaka City Central Public Hall is a historic building located in Nakanshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City, and has long been cherished by citizens as a center for culture and the arts. Its construction was made possible by a significant donation from Einosuke Iwamoto, a citizen of Osaka who worked as a stockbroker, and it was completed in 1918 (Taisho 7). The design was created by Shinichiro Okada, with overall supervision by Kingo Tatsuno and detailed design by Yasushi Kataoka.

The building features an elegant design primarily based on the Neo-Renaissance style, incorporating elements of Baroque. The exterior harmonizes beautifully with red-brick aesthetics and stone materials, comprising three stories above ground and one basement level constructed of steel frames and bricks. It blends stunningly with the landscape of Nakanshima, flowing with the Dojima River to the north and the Tosabori River to the south, and is highly regarded as a representative architecture of Osaka.

Since its opening, numerous opera and concert performances by internationally acclaimed artists, as well as lectures by historically significant figures such as Albert Einstein and Helen Keller, have been held here, making a significant contribution to the development of culture and arts in Osaka.

In 1999 (Heisei 11), a large-scale preservation and restoration project began due to the deterioration and alterations that compromised the original design. This renovation included the installation of seismic isolation devices for earthquake resistance and improvements for accessibility such as ramps and elevators. After three and a half years of construction, the building was renovated and reopened in September 2002, becoming the first public hall in Western Japan to be designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in December of the same year.

Today, the main assembly hall, multiple conference rooms, and exhibition rooms are widely available for citizens to rent, accommodating various events such as concerts, lectures, ceremonies, and meetings. The main assembly hall is equipped with 1,161 seats—810 on the ground floor and 351 on the second floor—complemented by a magnificent interior reminiscent of European palaces, making it an ideal space for prestigious events. The "Special Room," once used as a VIP room, preserves paintings and stained glass from the time of its creation, providing visitors with a unique experience.

The exhibition room on the basement level is open for free viewing, showcasing materials related to Einosuke Iwamoto and valuable photographs and panels conveying the history from its establishment to the preservation and restoration project. Additionally, the corridors and staircases in the building retain the facilities and designs of that time, allowing visitors to experience the public hall's historical and cultural value closely.

Furthermore, guided tours conducted by the public hall staff (reservation required for a fee) are available, allowing access to the normally restricted "Special Room." There are also special courses that include a basic sightseeing tour along with lunch and souvenirs at the restaurant "Nakanoshima Social Eat AWAKE" on the basement level. The restaurant is also open for use by non-tour participants, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a setting that highlights the architectural beauty of the building's original design.

As a "hall of knowledge" where history, culture, and art intersect, Osaka City Central Public Hall will continue to be a space for learning and interaction open to many people. Be sure to visit this magnificent building that adorns the landscape of Nakanshima.