Hotels have long been synonymous with artwork, as opposed to works of art: Much of what you'll encounter are replicas at best or just plain kitsch (ahh, the Eiffel Tower ... again).
Art Osaka attempts something different. This weekend, more than 50 galleries from Japan and overseas will take over an entire floor at the Hotel Granvia, which is attached to Osaka Station, and transform its bedrooms into a warren of galleries showcasing contemporary art. The rooms are open to the public for perusing and making purchases.
First held in 2002, Art Osaka has become a fixture on the arts calendar in Kansai. During its 13-year history, the event has wandered from a giant exhibition space down by the waterfront to a move uptown to the Dojima Hotel, before settling at the Granvia in 2011. However, according to Art Osaka manager Noriko Miyamoto, the event has never lost sight of its commitment to showcase contemporary art.
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