What other travelers are saying about Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Great museum with cool exhibitions. We saw the Yayoi Kusama exhibit and it was great to see some of her works. There was hardly anyone there so we got to appreciate the pieces at a leisurely pace without much crowd. We also saw the exhibit on Hello Kitty/Sanrio and it was great. The Hello Kitty exhibit was much busier and also all in Japanese so be prepared to translate things.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), during the New Year period from December 29 to January 3, and occasionally for exhibition changes. Visitors should check the official website before planning their visit to confirm current opening status.
Photography policies vary depending on the exhibition and artwork. Generally, flash photography and tripods are prohibited throughout the museum. Some of Yayoi Kusama's installations may not allow photography at all, while others permit it. The outdoor sculptures and the museum's distinctive polka-dotted exterior can be freely photographed. Staff will indicate restricted areas with clear signage.
Most visitors spend between one to two hours exploring the permanent collection and any temporary exhibitions. If you're a dedicated Yayoi Kusama enthusiast or wish to browse the museum shop extensively, allow up to two and a half hours. The museum's manageable size makes it ideal for combining with other Matsumoto attractions like the castle in a single day.
Yes, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Children often enjoy Yayoi Kusama's colorful polka dots, whimsical pumpkin sculptures, and interactive visual elements. The museum offers free admission for children under 18 on certain days throughout the year. However, parents should supervise young children carefully around delicate artworks and in darker installation spaces.
The museum provides English audio guides and printed materials for international visitors. Major artwork labels and gallery information include English translations, though not all descriptive text may be fully translated. The museum shop staff can typically assist with basic English inquiries, and the facility's layout is intuitive enough for non-Japanese speakers to navigate comfortably.
Visiting the Yayoi Kusama exhibition in her birth town was a dream come true 🤩
For the longest time I’ve admired and appreciated her art to the max.
The installation is wonderful. A true immersive experience on Kusama’s artwork.
The staff at the museum are friendly and very helpful.
I totally enjoyed the visit.
I recommend you using the lockers on the first floor. There is no photos allowed at kusama’s room and I think is better to put all your belongings on the lockers and walk freely to immerse yourself in her world.
Going on a week day and during the day is way better to avoid crowds.
I totally hope I have the opportunity to go back to this museum one day!
A beautiful museum in Matsumoto city featuring works of Yayoi Kusama. Taking photos of the exhibits are prohibited but that only made our visit more impactful as we were able to fully connect with Yayoi's work. The exhibits were also very immersive, it allowed me to see more into Kusama's work and experience it more deeply. Highly recommended to visit if you're in Matsumoto city
Great experience for the work of Yayoi Kusama. The museum is recommended as the best place in Japan to witness Yayoi's work (Matsumoto is her place of birth). The interactive part is memorable (photos and videos not allowed in these rooms, hence no media added to my post on these aspects). I would say 30-60min are enough to visit the museum - there are some other areas besides Yoyoi's rooms. I would have liked more Yayoi's merchandise in the shop. Definitely a must-see in Matsumoto!
The Matsumoto City Museum of Art is a must-visit in Yayoi Kusama’s hometown. The architecture is striking, and the permanent collection of her work—from her early sketches to massive installations—is incredibly impressive. Even the vending machines and benches are covered in her signature polka dots!
