The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK)

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK) is Japan’s leading museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, craft, and design. Located in Kyoto’s Okazaki cultural district beside Heian Shrine and the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, the museum presents outstanding special exhibitions alongside an impressive permanent collection with a particular focus on Kyoto’s artistic heritage.

Its collections include Japanese-style paintings, Western paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, and industrial design. The museum is especially well known for its outstanding collection of Kyoto crafts, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in the city’s artistic traditions and their evolution into the modern era.

History

The museum was established in 1963 as the Kyoto branch of the National Museum of Modern Art and moved into its current building in 1986. The building was designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Fumihiko Maki, whose elegant modernist design harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding historic landscape while expressing a distinctly contemporary architectural style.

Today, MoMAK serves as one of Japan’s most important museums for modern art and design. Through its permanent collection, research activities, and internationally acclaimed special exhibitions, it continues to promote Japanese modern art both domestically and abroad.

Highlights

Architecture by Fumihiko Maki

Admire one of Kyoto’s finest examples of contemporary museum architecture, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki.

Kyoto Craft Collection

Explore exceptional collections of ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, and other traditional crafts closely connected with Kyoto.

Major Special Exhibitions

Discover internationally recognized exhibitions featuring leading Japanese and international artists.

Panoramic Views of Higashiyama

Enjoy beautiful views of Heian Shrine’s giant torii gate and the Higashiyama Mountains from the upper floors.

Okazaki Cultural District

Combine your visit with nearby museums, gardens, and cultural institutions in one of Kyoto’s richest cultural neighborhoods.

Visit Tips

Since special exhibitions change throughout the year, it’s worth checking the current exhibition schedule before your visit. Even without a temporary exhibition, the permanent collection provides an excellent introduction to Kyoto’s modern artistic heritage.

Don’t miss the museum shop and café, both of which offer high-quality design goods and a relaxing place to take a break. Many visitors combine MoMAK with the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Heian Shrine, Murin-an Garden, and Nanzen-ji Temple for a full day exploring Kyoto’s cultural district.