The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, was opened in 1963 in Okazaki Park, Kyoto. This museum covers a wide range of art genres, including Japanese painting, oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and textiles. It particularly focuses on art from Kyoto and western Japan, showcasing many regional crafts.
The establishment of this museum originated from the return of the art collection of Kojiro Matsukata, the president of Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation (now Kawasaki Heavy Industries), which had been confiscated in France. Initially, there was a plan to exhibit the Matsukata collection in Kyoto, but it eventually led to the concept of the "National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto Branch."
The museum frequently changes its collection exhibitions to allow visitors to enjoy the works from multiple perspectives. The displayed works range from Western masters like Picasso and Van Gogh to Japanese artists such as Bakusen Tsuchida and Kagawa Kō. The scope of crafts has also expanded to include glass, jewelry, textiles, furniture, and architecture.
In 1986, a new building designed by architect Fumihiko Maki was added, and in 2001, it was reorganized as an independent administrative institution. The collection is diverse, with recent additions including collections from architect Isaburo Ueno and craftsman Richi Ueno.
This museum greatly contributes to the development of culture and art in Kyoto, attracting many visitors with its diverse exhibitions. Set in a lush environment, it is beloved by many as a place to appreciate not only Japanese art but also art and crafts from around the world.
The establishment of this museum originated from the return of the art collection of Kojiro Matsukata, the president of Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation (now Kawasaki Heavy Industries), which had been confiscated in France. Initially, there was a plan to exhibit the Matsukata collection in Kyoto, but it eventually led to the concept of the "National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto Branch."
The museum frequently changes its collection exhibitions to allow visitors to enjoy the works from multiple perspectives. The displayed works range from Western masters like Picasso and Van Gogh to Japanese artists such as Bakusen Tsuchida and Kagawa Kō. The scope of crafts has also expanded to include glass, jewelry, textiles, furniture, and architecture.
In 1986, a new building designed by architect Fumihiko Maki was added, and in 2001, it was reorganized as an independent administrative institution. The collection is diverse, with recent additions including collections from architect Isaburo Ueno and craftsman Richi Ueno.
This museum greatly contributes to the development of culture and art in Kyoto, attracting many visitors with its diverse exhibitions. Set in a lush environment, it is beloved by many as a place to appreciate not only Japanese art but also art and crafts from around the world.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
- Location
- 〒606-8344 26-1 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Access
- About a 10-minute walk from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line.
Approximately 30 minutes by city bus from JR Kyoto Station, get off at "Okazaki Park Art Museum/Heian Shrine Mae," and it's a short walk from there.
About 20 minutes by city bus from Hankyu Railway Kyoto Line's Karasuma Station and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, or Keihan Electric Railway Main Line's Sanjo Station and Gion Shijo Station. Get off at "Okazaki Park Art Museum/Heian Shrine Mae," and it's a short walk from there. - Parking
- No parking available.
- Business Hours
- Regular Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Last admission is until 5:30 PM)
Extended Hours: Every Friday during special exhibitions, open until 8 PM (Last admission is until 7:30 PM) - Regular Holiday
- Every Monday (if Monday is a holiday, the following day will be closed) and during the year-end and New Year holidays.
- Fees
- General admission: 430 yen, University students: 130 yen *Special exhibitions have separate fees.
- Contact Information
- Phone Number：075-761-4111
- Official Website
