3.5/5 stars
currently, no regular exhibition (until july, apparently) only can see the special exhibition which showcases their “Zenryouku”
there are three exhibitions you can go through and it ends with a cute museum shop. the ticket for the special exhibition is 1800 yen per adult which feels on the pricier side for a museum.
took about 1.5 to 2 hours to comfortably see all three exhibits. it was a little rough inside in terms of smell. so if you’re sensitive consider wearing a mask. it smelled like old paper throughout most of the rooms.
there is english for the introductions to each section and for the more prominent art pieces.
the atmosphere is very serious and quiet - nobody’s really talking. be wary of what you can and cannot take a photo of
side-note: felt a little singled out as a foreigner to put things into a locker (though it is free - you just need to hold it with a 100 yen coin) as i saw many other museum goers with their bags and backpacks.
though just put your stuff in the locker to make it easier on yourself at this point.
Arrived at opening time, almost no queue, good time to visit. It's worth paying a bit extra to see the "Special Exhibition"; artistic & cultural treasures from the Myoshin-ji collection. Some exquisite art on display, particularly the ink on paper and ink plus colour on paper exhibits. Unfortunately most of this collection cannot be photographed, just a few items.
The permanent collection allows photography and has a very impressive displays of Chinese sculptures. Makes you realise how advanced their culture was 1000s of years ago. Also a display of personal ornaments from a Swiss collectors.
The Book shop sells a book for ¥3000 detailing the items from the special exhibition with quality photos.
There's a Caffe on the premises and free lockers to store your bags, recommend using these so you can walk around freely without carrying stuff. Locker access via returnabke ¥100 coin.
Completed in 1936 (Showa 11), this art museum features a steel-reinforced concrete structure. The imposing building, with its distinctive early Showa-era charm, is well worth seeing. The museum houses a collection of Important Cultural Properties, and if you visit at the right time, you may be able to see the art exhibition you’re interested in.
This museum is located in the centre of a great park. Train will take about 25 mins from Shin-Osaka. Lockers provided. With all of the special exhibitions the cost was 2000¥ for entry. Give yourself 30-60 mins and you will get through the 2 floors of exhibitions. Very old exhibitions 800+ years old.
Most of the most important works that the museum have (some Chinese paintings from Tang and Song dynasties) are seldom or never on display. They do not have have digital archive or digital demonstration if preservation is the main objective. Make sure you check online on what is being a shown before making the trip. What you see in their special exhibition are pretty much everything you will see. If you expect more, you will be disappointed
