The Museum of Kyoto
Where Kyoto's History and Culture Come Alive

INTRODUCTION

Kyoto is known as "The hometown of every Japanese heart." Therefore, in order to introduce Kyoto's history and culture in ways that can be easily understood, The Museum of Kyoto was opened on October 1, 1998.

For more than a century, as Japan's capitol, Kyoto, known as Heian-kyo, developed an outstanding culture and shaped Japanese tradition.

During that period of time, each generation brought with it a new flavor and a fresh vitality that enriched Kyoto's life and culture.

In 1994, Kyoto will celebrate the 1200th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyo, and The Museum of Kyoto was established as one of the projects undertaken in relation to that celebration.

The Museum of Kyoto not only offers the opportunity to enjoy and study Kyoto's rich cultural heritage, it also brings together people of diversified viewpoints from many walks of life for mutual enlightenment and to join forces for the creative activation of Kyoto's culture.

Located in the center of Kyoto, The Museum of Kyoto is a place where a person can not only come in touch with the essence of Kyoto's more than one-thousand-year-old-culture that is still living today, but can also get a glimpse of the Kyoto of tomorrow.

EXHIBITIONS

History and Culture of Kyoto (2F)

Kyoto looks forward to its upcoming 1200th anniversary in 1994. This exhibition covers Kyoto's history and culture from around the time of the founding of Heian-kyo (A.D. 794) to the present and also gives a look into the future. Through panels, miniatures, and audio-visual presentations, one can get an overall view of Kyoto's history, culture, industry, technology and other aspects of Kyoto life.

Arts and Crafts of Modern Kyoto (3F)

Centering in the works of Kyoto artists and craftsmen who are actively involved today, this exhibition gives an introduction to the arts and crafts of modern Kyoto. Works exhibited are changed every three months.

A Japanese-style room and garden may also be seen on the 3rd floor.

Special Exhibitions (4F)

Throughout the year, special exhibitions pertaining to Kyoto's history, culture, art and various areas of Kyoto life are held by The Museum of Kyoto or under joint auspices with Kyoto Prefecture, newspaper publishing companies and cultural organizations.

Special Events (5, 6F)

The 5th floor gallery is western style and the 6th floor gallery is Japanese style with tatami mats. The purpose of these galleries is twofold:

Annex

Kingo Tatsuno, who can be called the forefather of modern Japanese architecture, and his disciple, Uheiji Nagano, designed this building, built in 1906, for the Bank of Japan and it was used by the bank until it moved in October of 1965.

In 1968, the building became the Heian Museum, and the following year, because of its balue as a building representing western-style architecture in the Meiji Period, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Ministry of Education's Agency for Cultural Affairs.

When The Museum of Kyoto was planned, the building was presented to Kyoto Prefecture and restored. Today, it is preserved as one of the most spectacular examples of architecture in the historical sites located in the Sanjo Street area, and is open to the public as a part of The Museum of Kyoto.

Archaeology, folk culture, and arts and crafts are presented in the exhibits in the Annex.

Materials exhibited are changed approximately every three months.

CINEMATHEQUE

Movie Hall (3F)

Kyoto is the birthplace of Japan's film industry and at one time was called "The Hollywood of Japan." Because of that since 1971 Kyoto Prefecture has been collecting and preserving materials related to the film industry.

The Museum of Kyoto, in order to promote the understanding of Japanese film directors, the history of Japanese film industry, and new expressions in films today, daily screens films in the Moview Hall at 2:00 p.m. and 6:15 pm. Videocassettes are also available and can be viewed in the video booths of the Reference Library located in the basement.

Film Gallery (3F)

Posters, still pictures and other materials related to film being shown in the Movie Hall are exhibited.

INFORMATION SERVICES

Cultural Information Corner

Information is available through video presentations, leaflets, posters and brochures pertaining to exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, film showings, lectures and other things of cultural and sightseeing interest throughout Kyoto Prefecture.

Information System

Schedules of cultural events and film showings, names of artists, craftsman and related organizations, and information about artworks and crafts, as well as historical data can be obtained through computer-controlled "touch panel" video presentations located in several areas of the Museum.

Reference Library (Basement)

The library contains approximately 20,000 books, including dictionaries and bibliographies, 29,000 magazines, and 12,000 scenarios to aid research study in the fields of art, history, and the film industry. There are also around 1500 videocassettes relating to Kyoto's history, culture, arts, crafts, and folk culture, as well as dramatic films and documentaries. Reference information, copy and contents services are also offered.

SHOPPING

"Roji Tempo" Mercantile Streets (1F)

A cross section of a mercantile area in Kyoto during the latter part of the Edo Period (1603-1687) has been reconstructed on the first floor of the museum.

Some to the shops located in the "Roji Tempo" offer traditional Kyoto crafts and other products, and some shops serve typical Kyoto dishes.

The Kyoto dialect is spoken by the people who work in the shops.

Along with shopping, partaking of a meal of having light refreshments, be sure to observe the sukiya architecture in the area behind the earthen wall, made of Kyoto clay, and the various kinds of latticework designs used in the facades of the shops. The latticeworks, known as "kyogoshi" were designed to meet the specific needs (light, ventilation and so forth) of the individual shops that dealt in rice, charcoal and other necessities.

A Unique Tea Shop

Between the Main Building and the Annex, an elegant tea shop is located in what was formerly the vault of the Bank of Japan.

Tea, coffee, other beverages and confections are available.

Museum Shop (3F)

Books on Japanese art, postcards featuring artworks, small scrolls and screens, woodblock prints and Japanese-type paper can be bought here.

MUSEUM INFORMATION

Hours: 10:00 A.M. - 8:30 P.M.; Closed the 3rd of every month (next day if 3rd is a holiday) and December 28 - January 1

Admission Fees: Adults, 500 yen, Students 300/400 yen (an additional fee is charged when Special Exhibitions are being held)

Parking: Parking is available for 30 vehicles.

Address: Sanjo-Takakura, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604

Telephone: (075) 222-0888

How to get to the museum: