Kyoto Art Galleries

(Kyoto, Kansai, Central Honshu, Japan)

Ranging from contemporary Chinese art works at their best, to many traditional and historic paintings by a number of truly world-class artists, art galleries in Kyoto are varied to say the least. Particularly impressive is the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, which offers a huge exhibition space and a large collection of local pieces.

Look out for the ancient ceramics on display at Kyoto's Koryo Museum of Art, while for outstanding and historic paintings by artists such as Monet and even Van Gogh, the city's Garden of Fine Art is a must. The main art galleries are listed below.

Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art

Address: 124 Okazaki, Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 075 771 4107
Founded in the early 1930s, the renowned Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art is amongst Japan's biggest art museums and hosts a number of prominent displays every year, such as both the Nitten Exhibition and Kyoten Exhibition. Many impressive art works are always on display here, drawing on the museum's extensive collection of post-Meiji-era paintings. Modern pieces by local artists are also often exhibited here.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Imura Art Museum

Address: 29 Matsubara-cho Shimogamo, Kyoto, 26 606 0804, Japan, JP
Although only small in size, this often overlooked museum is a real treat for anyone interested in glassware or ceramics. Housing a collection of about 100 pieces, highlights at Kyoto's Imura Art Museum include crystal works from the Daum family and the house of Baccarat, pieces by Japanese master Imaemon, and also Edo-era Arita porcelain.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Garden of Fine Art

Address: Shimogamo Hanki-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 075 724 2188
The Garden of Fine Art is housed within a modern building and located in the Nakagyo-ku district, being particularly close to the beautiful Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens. Highlights include works by many Chinese artists through the ages, together with European paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Monet and Van Gogh, amongst other famous artists. The gallery boasts a walled outdoor area, with landscaped sections and pathways.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Koryo Museum of Art

Address: 12 Kamigishi-cho Shichiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8108, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 075 491 1192
With paintings, sculptures and many impressive antiquities, the Koryo Museum of Art is home to a wealth of local treasures. Of particular interest are the ceramics, many of which are more than 700 years old and in remarkable condition considering their age.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Nomura Art Museum

Address: 61 Shimogawara-cho, Nanzenji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8434, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 075 751 0374
Specialising in everything relating to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, the Nomura Art Museum is home to a number of ancient tea bowls, caddies, robes, and historic art works. Many of the exhibits are rotated on a monthly basis, so there is always something fresh to be seen.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge