The Kyoto University Museum

What's On

Now

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Chemistry in Kyoto: A History of the Institute for Chemical Research

Centenary show for Kyoto University's Institute for Chemical Research: synthetic oil, chemical heritage objects, industry spin-offs and today's research.

Now showing7 Oct – 29 Nov¥400

Wild Eyes, Wild Heart: Junichiro Itani, Explorer of Nature

Centenary tribute to primatologist and anthropologist Junichiro Itani: field notebooks, manuscripts, photos and objects from African hunter-gatherers and herders.

Now showing4 Nov – 27 Dec¥400

Permanent Collections

Cultural History Galleries

Ancient Japanese and East Asian archaeology, stone coffins, Edo-period maps of Kyoto, and letters from warlords Oda Nobunaga and Date Masamune.

Permanent collection¥400

Technological History Gallery

Physics teaching instruments and mechanical models from the Third Higher School and early Kyoto University, from Morse telegraphs to gear mechanisms.

Permanent collection¥400

Natural History Galleries

Minerals, meteorites and fossils including Naumann's elephant tusks, primatology, insects, and a two-storey recreation of Borneo's Lambir Hills rainforest.

Permanent collection¥400

Susumu Kitagawa Nobel Prize in Chemistry Special Display

Display on Distinguished Professor Susumu Kitagawa's metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with research samples and a replica of his Nobel Prize medal.

Permanent collection¥400

Nearby

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Hosomi Museum

Design18 min walk

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Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design

Design19 min walk

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Sen-oku Hakuko Kan

Architecture20 min walk

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Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

Architecture20 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does The Kyoto University Museum cost?

Standard adult admission to The Kyoto University Museum is ¥400. University students ¥300; groups of 20+ ¥300 / ¥200. Free for under-18s, over-70s, school students, students at Kyoto Prefecture universities, and visitors with disabilities plus one companion. Cash only.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of The Kyoto University Museum?

The Kyoto University Museum is open Wed–Sun 9:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00). Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, including national holidays. Also closed 28 Dec–4 Jan, 18 June (university foundation day) and the Wednesday of the third week of August.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is The Kyoto University Museum?

The Kyoto University Museum is located at Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan, in the Yoshida area of Kyoto. The nearest stations are Hyakumanben (Kyoto City Bus), 2 min walk and Demachiyanagi (Keihan Line / Eizan Railway), 15 min walk.

What can I see at The Kyoto University Museum?

Fossils, minerals, samurai letters and old lab machines from 2.6 million objects gathered by Kyoto University since 1897. Current highlights include Chemistry in Kyoto: A History of the Institute for Chemical Research, Cultural History Galleries and Technological History Gallery.

Do I need to book The Kyoto University Museum in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit The Kyoto University Museum?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.