Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art is one of Japan’s oldest surviving public art museums and an outstanding example of early modern architecture. Originally opened in 1933, the museum combines an elegant historic building designed by architect Kenji Maeda with striking contemporary additions introduced during its award-winning renovation in 2020.

The museum hosts an outstanding variety of exhibitions ranging from traditional Japanese paintings to international contemporary art, photography, crafts, and design. Even for visitors who are not planning to see an exhibition, the architecture itself makes the museum one of Kyoto’s must-visit cultural landmarks.

History

The museum opened in 1933 as the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, commemorating the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Shōwa. Designed by architect Kenji Maeda, the building is regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of pre-war public architecture in Japan, blending classical symmetry with Japanese design elements.

After an extensive three-year renovation, the museum reopened in 2020 with major new additions including the transparent Glass Ribbon entrance and the modern Higashiyama Cube exhibition hall. The project carefully preserved the historic architecture while creating a museum suited to contemporary exhibitions, earning widespread praise both in Japan and internationally.

Highlights

Historic Architecture by Kenji Maeda

Admire one of Japan’s finest examples of early twentieth-century museum architecture, carefully preserved for future generations.

Glass Ribbon

Experience the dramatic glass entrance that elegantly connects the historic building with its modern extensions.

Higashiyama Cube

Explore a flexible contemporary gallery space designed for large-scale international exhibitions.

Grand Central Hall

Discover beautifully preserved marble, decorative details, and refined interiors that reflect the elegance of the early Shōwa period.

Cultural Heart of Okazaki

The museum is surrounded by Heian Shrine, Kyoto City Zoo, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, and other major cultural attractions.

Visit Tips

Even if you are not attending a special exhibition, allow time to explore the museum’s architecture. Walking from the historic façade through the Glass Ribbon and into the modern galleries offers a fascinating journey through nearly a century of Japanese architectural design.

The museum café and museum shop are excellent places to take a break while enjoying views of the surrounding cultural district. Many visitors combine the museum with Heian Shrine, Murin-an Garden, Nanzen-ji Temple, and the Lake Biwa Canal Museum for a full day discovering Kyoto’s artistic and architectural heritage.