Japanese modern architecture, Osaka Maritime Museum Glass Dome

Seen from the sea, the glass dome of the Osaka Maritime Museum looks like it's floating... Built in 2000 on reclaimed land in the Osaka Bay, this 1200 tons geodesic dome is 35 meters tall and 70 meters in diameter and can be reached through a subterranean tunnel. Despite its huge size, the dome was built separately, brought here by barge and placed on its earthquake and wave resistant pedestal.

Covered by an innovative frame of laminated glass which incorporates a sheet of perforated metal, the dome has an amazing feature: when the sun is bright the glass becomes almost opaque and when it rains it turns fully transparent.

Unfortunately the museum was closed in March this year, because of financial problems...