Kyoto National Museum

The Kyoto National Museum opened in May 1897 and was originally named the Imperial Museum of Kyoto. Central to its collection are artworks and cultural properties of Kyoto ranging from the Heian period (794-1185) to the Edo period (1603-1868), though it also houses antique works of art and cultural properties from other parts of Japan and the orient. It currently preserves approximately 14,000 works, including 114 National Treasures and 822 Important Cultural Properties. A new wing, called Heisei Chishinkan, was completed in 2014 and is used to hold permanent as well as special exhibits. The Meiji Kotokan Hall, which was built when the museum was opened, is a brick structure designed in the 17th century French Baroque style. This hall, together with the Main Gate, fence and original ticket booths are designated as Important Cultural Properties. (Exhibitions are no longer being shown inside the Meiji Kotokan Hall.)

・The imposing Main Gate stands before the Meiji Kotokan Hall.
The Main Gate stands on the west side of the Meiji Kotokan Hall and faces Yamato-oji-dori. The Meiji Kotokan Hall and the Main Gate were designed by a Meiji architect, Tokuma Katayama, who also designed the Akasaka Palace and the Nara National Museum. The imposing western-style brick structure exudes the prestige and dignity of the past.

・Heisei Chinshinkan has a modern design with an opaque glass façade.
The Heisei Chishinkan wing was completed in 2014 and is a modern architecture featuring an opaque glass façade that stands in balanced contrast to Meiji Kotokan Hall. It was designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, who is also known for his work on GINZA SIX and for redesigning the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The front of the building features a design that is reminiscent of traditional sliding doors and lattice windows that are in harmony with the Meiji Kotokan Hall.

・The famous statue by Rodin, ”The Thinker,” is installed in front of a fountain.
A sculpture of ”The Thinker” by Rodin can be found in the garden surrounding the fountain between the Main Gate and the Meiji Kotokan Hall. The lush greens of the garden, the fountain, and the thinking statue present a beautiful balance together with the dignified structure of the Meiji Kotokan Hall.