Kyoto Museum of Art | A Moment of Contemplation: A stroll through the Museum of Ceramic Panel Paintings at the Garden of Masterpieces

In Kyoto, an ancient city with layers upon layers, "art museums" often resonate with time.
Walking into the quiet Kitayama, I unexpectedly encountered a place that didn't look like an art museum. The Famous Painting Garden Ceramic Art Museum (陶板名画の庭) is a place that is not noisy and not often mentioned. It sits quietly opposite the Kyoto City Art Museum, like a picture frame that doesn't mind being missed.

What is collected here is not the paintings themselves, but "ceramic copies" of world famous paintings. You will pass by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Monet in the open open-air space. The paintings are fired with ceramic plates, which are so huge that they almost merge with the building itself. In the pool on the right side of the entrance, there is a full-size ceramic version of Monet's "Water Lilies". The waves reflect the ceramic surface, which is the most suitable moment to stop in the whole venue.

☁️ Accidentally picked up white noise moment

If you happen to pass by Kitayama Station or leave from the Kyoto Botanical Garden, you can stop by here. The overall experience is more of a visual surprise: a few large ceramic paintings are impressive, but there are only a few. There are no tourist crowds, and it is even a little too quiet, suitable for a person to walk around slowly. The whole journey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, a bit like a silent street corner art installation, which does not require much interpretation.

To be honest, it is not recommended to go there specifically, but its low-key and open feeling, on the contrary, has a Kyoto-style "deliberately not disturbing you". If you don't have expectations, this place is actually a bit likable.

▍Visiting Guide｜Effortless Miniature Art Tour
• 📍 Location: Kyoto・Metro "Kitayama Station" just outside the station (Exit 4)
• 🎫 Ticket: 200 yen
• ⏰ Suggested Visiting Time: About 10-15 minutes
• ☀️ Note: The entire area is open-air, please bring your own rain gear if it rains
• 👥 Crowd Condition: Very Few, Almost Private Space

It is a picture album without words. "Famous Paintings Garden" may not be a destination, but it may become a page that you quietly unfold while walking in Kyoto.

Post by vvnlovesgoingout | Jun 17, 2025