Located in Okazaki Park, opposite the Kyoto City Museum of Art, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK) is one of the city’s leading cultural institutions. Its collection includes approximately 950 Japanese paintings, 550 Western-style paintings, 430 ceramic works by Kanjiro Kawai, and around 1,000 photographs from Europe and the United States.
The museum focuses on Japanese and international art from the Meiji period (1868–1912) to the present day. Through its diverse collections, special exhibitions, and educational programs, it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the development of modern art in Japan and around the world.
The museum originated as an annex of the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, established in 1952. It became an independent national institution in 1963, officially opening as the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto.
Its mission is to promote modern Japanese art and deepen public understanding of its cultural significance. In 1997, the museum moved into its present building, designed by renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi.
The museum’s extensive collection showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary artistic expression, with a particular emphasis on Japanese art.
Highlights include Japanese paintings by artists such as Takeuchi Seihō and Yokoyama Taikan, as well as Western-style paintings by Fujita Tsuguharu and Yasui Sōtarō. The collection also features sculpture, ceramics, other traditional crafts, and photography.
International modern and contemporary art is also represented, with works by celebrated artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol. Together, these works offer insight into the variety of artistic movements and ideas that have shaped Japan and the wider world.
The museum presents both collection exhibitions and special exhibitions. Collection displays feature selected works from the museum’s holdings, arranged around different themes and periodically refreshed to offer new perspectives.
Special exhibitions explore a broad range of subjects and may bring together works from Japan and overseas. Visitors can discover different artistic styles, historical periods, and cultural influences through these changing displays.
The museum also offers educational activities, including art lectures, workshops, and gallery talks. These programs help visitors of different ages and levels of experience engage with art in a welcoming environment.
The museum’s modern building was designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi. Its clean, understated exterior contrasts with spacious exhibition areas inside, creating an environment where visitors can focus on the artworks.
The design incorporates natural light where appropriate, helping create an inviting atmosphere for viewing art. A café and museum shop are also available, providing places to relax or browse art-related books and souvenirs during a visit.
The museum is situated in Kyoto’s Okazaki cultural district, an area rich in history, art, and green spaces. Nearby attractions include Heian Shrine and Kyoto City Zoo, along with other museums and galleries.
Visitors can easily combine an art-focused visit with sightseeing in the surrounding area, making the museum a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Kyoto’s cultural heritage and contemporary creative scene.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, is located in Okazaki Enshōjichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.
It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line. Visitors can also take a city bus from Kyoto Station to the Kyoto Kaikan Museum area.
9:30-17:00, admission until 16:30
Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
Adults: 420 yen
University students: 130 yen
Free for high school students, those under 18 years old, and those over 65 years old.
*Special exhibitions are not included.
30 min. by city bus from JR Kyoto Stn.