It exists as part of an ongoing initiative to "rethink the relationship between nature and people,"[1] and is one of several arts-related sites generating tourist interest in the area.

Despite its position buried underground, the design of the building is such that it facilitates the exclusive use of natural light to illuminate a number of the exhibits, changing their appearance at different viewing times throughout the day and, in essence, encompassing the building itself within the same realm as the art on display.

The site features permanent installations by Walter De Maria and James Turrell, as well as painted works in the Water Lilies series by Claude Monet.

Located between the ticket center and main museum building, the Chichu Garden is an area roughly 400 m2 in size that features approximately 150 types of plants, 40 kinds of trees and almost 200 kinds of flowers[2] that either appeared in Monet's works or were collected by the artist during his lifetime.

The rationale behind Chichu Garden is one where, through physical experience, it is believed one's understanding and appreciation of Claude Monet's work can be deepened.