The Museum of Kyoto

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Consider this: a journey through Kyoto’s history and culture awaits us at The Museum of Kyoto. This isn’t just a building. It is a portal to the past.

The Museum of Kyoto comprises two main structures. There is the main building for exhibitions and an annex. The annex is the former Kyoto branch of the Bank of Japan. It is an Important Cultural Property. The annex hosts special events like exhibitions and concerts. These buildings introduce Kyoto’s history and traditions. They present the information in an easy-to-understand way.

Let’s step inside the main building of The Museum of Kyoto. The 4th floor holds a special exhibition hall. It showcases valuable materials and art from Japan and the world. The 2nd and 3rd floors feature general exhibition rooms. These rooms guide visitors through Kyoto’s history. They cover the Heian to Meiji periods using materials and visuals. Planned exhibitions explore seasonal events. Treasures from local temples and shrines are displayed here. Works from Kyoto Prefecture and collections from local families also feature.

Did you know that the annex has its own story? Kingo Tatsuno and his apprentice Nagano Uheiji designed it. Tatsuno was a leading figure in modern Japanese architecture. The annex was once the Kyoto branch of the Bank of Japan. It still shows the prestige of its banking days.

On the second floor of The Museum of Kyoto, you can delve into the history of Kyoto. The third floor houses a film theater. The theater screens films from the museum’s collection. It also serves as a gallery for cinema culture. The Museum of Kyoto is dedicated to cinema’s study and promotion.

The Museum of Kyoto was once the Heian Museum of Ancient History. It became the Museum of Kyoto in 1986. The annex was the Heian Museum of Ancient History until 1986. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1969.

Visiting The Museum of Kyoto, you gain insight into Kyoto’s cultural heart. You will find a blend of historical artifacts and artistic expression. The Museum of Kyoto is a place where the past comes alive. It enriches our understanding of this captivating city.

Before we move on, remember the museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing Kyoto’s cultural heritage. It’s more than just displays. The Museum of Kyoto is a living testament to Kyoto’s enduring spirit.

After discovering the story of The Museum of Kyoto in Kyoto, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Kyoto while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Kyoto. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Kyoto directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Kyoto. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Kyoto. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Kyoto with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

More Places in Kyoto

三縁寺

Contemplating the weathered stones before us evokes stories. These stones mark the graves of samurai. They met tragic ends during

Explore

川魚商 Stone

“The freshest fish in Kyoto!” Could you imagine hearing that call echoing through these streets back in 1937? That’s when

Explore

不許葷酒入山門 Stele

“No entry for the intoxicated!” shouts the stone. The \u4e0d\u8a31\u8477\u9152\u5165\u5c71\u9580 Stele stands before us. It is an imposing reminder of

Explore

北向山不動院

“Why is this temple facing north?” a young boy whispered, tugging at his mother’s sleeve. We stand now before Kitamuki

Explore

昼神車塚古墳

As you stand before the Hirugami Kurumazuka Kofun, a sense of history washes over you. This ancient burial mound, nestled

Explore