Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Kyoto
A stunning museum blending historic architecture with modern design, showcasing diverse Japanese and international art exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Kyoto
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning museum blending historic architecture with modern design, showcasing diverse Japanese and international art exhibitions.
"A spectacular museum, situated in a beautiful building, surrounded by an amazing park."
🎟️ Book Special Exhibits Online
Popular special exhibitions often sell out. Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
The museum's design is a masterpiece. Take time to appreciate the blend of old and new, and the 'viewing rectangle' accessible from the street.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Architecture
A beautiful blend of historic and modern design, offering a visually appealing space for art appreciation.
Special Exhibitions
World-class temporary exhibitions, from Monet to Yayoi Kusama, draw art lovers from around the globe.
Museum Park and Pond
A serene escape with wisteria and koi, perfect for a peaceful stroll after exploring the art.
Planning Your Visit
Book Special Exhibits in Advance
Explore the Building and Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Special Exhibits Online
Popular special exhibitions often sell out. Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
The museum's design is a masterpiece. Take time to appreciate the blend of old and new, and the 'viewing rectangle' accessible from the street.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the beautiful park and pond behind the museum, especially during wisteria season. It's a peaceful spot for a stroll.
💰 Consider Exhibit Costs
Special exhibits have separate admission fees. Be prepared for potentially high costs if you plan to see multiple shows.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Special Exhibits Online
Popular special exhibitions often sell out. Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
The museum's design is a masterpiece. Take time to appreciate the blend of old and new, and the 'viewing rectangle' accessible from the street.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the beautiful park and pond behind the museum, especially during wisteria season. It's a peaceful spot for a stroll.
💰 Consider Exhibit Costs
Special exhibits have separate admission fees. Be prepared for potentially high costs if you plan to see multiple shows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art for its stunning architecture, which beautifully merges historic and modern elements, and its serene park setting. The special exhibitions, featuring renowned artists, are consistently highlighted as exceptional, though the separate ticketing for these can be a point of contention due to cost.
"This is a great building with a recent overhaul completed in 2019 tying old and new. Clean white interior really captures the volume of the existing old building.
My complaint is that I feel the special exhibits should be all inclusive, not separate. There's logistics and reasons I guess but would you want to spend 4400yen on two exhibits? I'm just a bit jaded after some repeat experiences with museums and exhibits that don't measure up.
I don't know what the current permanent collection is if there is one yet but the basic collection was pretty limited. At least you can take all the building pictures you want without bothering with a general ticket, I think.
The viewing rectangle doesn't even need a ticket as it's accessible from the street."
J
"A spectacular museum, situated in a beautiful building, surrounded by an amazing park. We had the privilege of seeing the Yayoi Kusama exhibition, and it was mind-blowing. Highly recommended!"
Guillermo Musumeci
"We went to see the Claude Monet exhibition which was really stunning. So much to offer and so much to see. We also walked around the lovely grounds and pond behind the museum which had wisteria and fish. A really peaceful place and clearly hosting serious exhibitions and serious artwork. Would love to come back and highly recommend it as an activity with family or friends or couples."
Kristjana Nikolls
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a bus to the Okazaki Koen, Municipal Museum of Art (Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art) stop, or it's a pleasant walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
While there might be parking facilities nearby, public transportation is generally recommended for ease of access and to avoid potential parking hassles in Kyoto.
Yes, the museum is located in a central area. It's a walkable distance from other popular spots like Nanzen-ji Temple and the Heian Shrine, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing. +1
From Kyoto Station, you can take a bus directly to the Okazaki Koen area, which is a short walk from the museum. Alternatively, you can take the subway to Higashiyama Station and walk from there.
The closest subway station is Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line. From there, it's a short and scenic walk to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For special exhibitions, it is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, as they can sell out. General admission to the building and some areas may not require a ticket. +1
Admission prices vary significantly depending on the exhibition. Special exhibitions often have separate, higher ticket prices, and visiting multiple exhibits can add up.
Yes, special exhibitions typically require individual tickets. It's worth checking the museum's official website for current exhibition details and pricing.
Tickets for special exhibitions are best purchased online in advance. While some tickets might be available at the door, it's not guaranteed, especially for popular shows.
Information on a permanent collection can vary. Some reviews suggest the basic collection was limited, and certain areas like the 'viewing rectangle' are accessible without a general ticket. It's best to check the museum's current offerings.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Opening hours can vary depending on the exhibition. It's essential to check the official Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours for specific exhibits.
The museum showcases a diverse range of art, including modern and contemporary Japanese paintings, sculptures, and international exhibitions like Andy Warhol and Claude Monet. +1
Absolutely! The museum features a stunning architectural design that beautifully integrates historic elements with modern renovations, making it a visual delight. +1
Yes, the architecture and the surrounding park offer great photo opportunities. Some exhibits may have restrictions on photography, so always check signage.
The 'viewing rectangle' is an architectural feature accessible from the street, offering a unique perspective of the museum's interior or exhibits without needing a general admission ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies vary by exhibition. While general areas and the building's architecture are often photo-friendly, special exhibits may have restrictions. Always look for signs or ask staff.
The museum's exterior, the surrounding park, and certain architectural elements are excellent for photos. The 'viewing rectangle' is also a popular spot.
The modern facade, the serene pond area with wisteria, and the 'viewing rectangle' offer unique photographic opportunities.
This is highly dependent on the specific exhibition. Some may allow non-flash photography, while others prohibit it entirely to protect the artwork.
The striking architecture, the tranquil park, and the visually rich special exhibitions (like Yayoi Kusama's installations) provide many 'Instagrammable' moments. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning a visit, consider checking the museum's schedule for any family-friendly programming or exhibitions that might appeal to children. The Andy Warhol exhibitions, with their vibrant colors and pop culture themes, have been particularly popular and could be more engaging for older children and teenagers. Always check the museum's website for current exhibitions and any age-specific recommendations or restrictions.
+1🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Culture Seekers
Beyond the exhibitions, the museum's architectural design itself is a work of art, blending historical charm with modern aesthetics. The serene park and pond offer a peaceful retreat, allowing for reflection on the art experienced. Art lovers will appreciate the thoughtful curation and the opportunity to engage with diverse artistic expressions in a beautiful setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Old Meets New
One of the most talked-about architectural features is the 'viewing rectangle,' an element accessible directly from the street. This unique design choice allows visitors to glimpse into the museum's world without necessarily purchasing a ticket for a specific exhibition, inviting curiosity and engagement. The surrounding park and pond further enhance the museum's appeal, providing a tranquil natural setting that contrasts with the curated art within.
This architectural approach has been praised for its ability to create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It’s not just a place to see art; it’s a place to experience art within a thoughtfully designed space. Whether you're an art enthusiast or an architecture admirer, the building itself is a significant draw.
Navigating Special Exhibitions and Ticketing
Given the popularity of these exhibitions, booking tickets online in advance is strongly advised. This not only helps secure your entry but also saves time queuing at the venue. The museum's website is the best resource for checking current exhibition schedules, ticket prices, and booking procedures. Planning your visit around these special events can be rewarding, but it's wise to budget accordingly for the admission costs.
While the special exhibitions are a major draw, it's worth noting that the museum's permanent collection or basic offerings might be more limited. However, the overall experience of visiting the museum, including its architecture and grounds, often compensates for this. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's official site for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding exhibitions, ticketing, and any potential changes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit