The Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto

Combination of masterpieces of art, ceramic prints, and architectural marvels

The Garden of Fine Arts in Kyoto is a captivating destination that celebrates the intersection of art, nature, and architecture. As the first of its kind in the world, this outdoor museum exhibits the beauty of famous paintings while ensuring their long-term preservation.

Eight ceramic prints are installed in the garden, including Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Michelangelo’s “The Last Supper” towering on a giant wall, Renoir’s “On the Terrace,” Van Gogh’s “Cypress and Starry Night,” and more.

These ceramic prints are created by transferring images from positive film of the original paintings onto ceramic plates. Due to the nature of ceramics, they are resistant to discoloration and corrosion, ensuring durability even under direct sunlight. Since they are reproduced in their original size or larger, they exude a powerful presence and are visually stunning.

The building was designed by the world-renowned architect, Tadao Ando. Visitors descend along a gentle slope to two underground floors, where they can view the artworks from corridors at three different levels, providing unique perspectives. Ando’s architecture is characterized by harmony with the environment and integration with nature. The building itself becomes a work of art, complementing the ceramic plate artworks and leaving a deep impression on visitors.

The outdoor setting allows viewers to appreciate the paintings’diverse expressions, which change depending on the viewing location, angle, and the shimmering water and sunlight. Benches along the pathway provide opportunities to sit and contemplate the large-scale artworks. Visitors can enjoy a cultural moment in the garden, listening to the flowing water and feeling the breeze while admiring the beauty of the paintings, ceramic prints, and architecture.

Open: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30); Admission ¥100; 1-min. walk from Subway Kitayama Sta.; kyoto-tobanhp.or.jp