What other travelers are saying about Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
We wanted to visit because the building was designed by Tadao Ando and there were some great spots for family photos. We decided to go during that time because the Hyogo EXPO TERMINAL exhibition was on and it was free. Our drawings were projected onto the wall in the exhibition, and our whole family enjoyed it much more than we expected. We took some fun photos, and even just the free section was enough for us to have a wonderful time.
A solid art museum, designed by the leading Japanese architect Ando Tadao, with an Ando Corner dedicated to himself, and a dedicated second floor exhibition hall of his amazing artworks and architectural sketches, drawings, models and philosophy. The sea-facing environment and green park form part of the tour which one can take for a whole day to immerse into its nature and art.
The architectural aspect is always the first thing I pay attention to when it comes to Japanese art museums — and the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art was no exception. I had wanted to visit ever since learning it was designed by Tadao Ando, the legendary architect who needs no introduction.
Yet to my surprise, the exhibition captured my interest just as much as Ando’s architecture. The museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions, and all of them are truly worth seeing. As I wandered through the galleries, I enjoyed observing the canvases and sculptures in the calm, atmospheric setting of the museum.
The Ando Gallery deserves special attention. It showcases models of some of his iconic architectural projects, highlighting the genius of this modern master of concrete and light. Be sure to take a moment to see the green apple installation outside the gallery, admire the spiral staircase at the entrance that feels like a portal, and explore the surrounding outdoor area — a peaceful space that offers beautiful views of Kobe.
We stayed in Osaka and took a local train that stopped in Nada, from where we just walked down Museum Street to the museum. We put our bags and stuff in the locker room in the museum and wandered around the building complex without actually buying tickets to enter the art galleries within the museum. A lot of it is accessible to the public without a ticket, including the Tadao Ando gallery on 2 levels. The restaurant menu looked interesting with venison and boar meat on offer but we left using the Iwaya metro station to go to Kobe city centre for lunch.
Another Tadao Ando masterpiece.
You can enjoy a majority of the facility for free, but the current special exhibition was impressively curated!
Visited on a Tuesday afternoon and it was very quiet.
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last admission at 5:30 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), during the New Year holiday period from December 31 to January 1, and occasionally for exhibition changeovers. It's advisable to check the official website before visiting to confirm opening days, especially during holiday periods.
Photography policies vary depending on the exhibition. Generally, photography is prohibited in special exhibition galleries to protect copyright and preserve artworks. However, photography without flash may be permitted in certain permanent collection areas and the outdoor sculpture garden. Always look for signage indicating photography rules in each gallery, and ask staff if you're unsure about specific areas.
The museum provides English signage for major artworks and exhibitions, though detailed descriptions may be primarily in Japanese. Audio guides in English are available for rent at an additional fee for select special exhibitions. The museum shop and café staff have basic English capability, and English brochures are available at the information desk to help international visitors navigate the facilities.
Yes, the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is fully accessible with barrier-free facilities throughout. The building is equipped with elevators connecting all floors, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and wheelchair rentals available free of charge at the entrance. Ramps provide easy access to outdoor areas, and designated parking spaces are available for visitors with disabilities. Staff members are available to assist visitors with special needs.
The museum features an on-site café that offers light meals, beverages, and desserts, with some seating areas providing views of the sculpture garden and waterfront. The museum shop sells art-related books, postcards, and unique souvenirs. Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the exhibition galleries, but visitors may eat in designated rest areas. For longer visits, there are also several restaurants and cafés in the surrounding waterfront district within walking distance.
