The Southern Main Gate
The Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) (京都市美術館正門（南）) is a museum gateway of about 1933 in Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on August 17, 2020 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a reinforced-concrete gateway 18 metres wide; registration number 26-0600.
The South Gate of the West Front
The Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) is the southern of the two main gates on the west front of the main building, two gateposts set 18 metres apart (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The posts are reinforced concrete with a granite skin.
Each post is octagonal in section, a square pillar with its corners boldly chamfered, and 2 metres tall (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It pairs with the Main Gate (North), the two framing the main facade from either end, and is dated to about 1933, the same as the main building.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape, as one of the elements that make up the formal front of the museum.
What to Look For
Compare it with the Main Gate (North) and you will see the two gates match in size and form, framing the facade symmetrically (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The South Information Board stands nearby, and from here the main building is seen at an angle, its west front and south side together.
Visiting
The Main Gate (South) stands on the forecourt facing Jingu-michi and can be seen from the pavement.
Q&A
- When was the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) built?
- In about 1933 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South)?
- On the forecourt in front of the west facade, towards the south end, facing Jingu-michi.
- How does the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) differ from the north gate?
- It does not: both are 18 metres wide with octagonal posts, a matched pair framing the facade.
- Can I see the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South)?
- Yes, it stands outdoors and can be seen from the Jingu-michi side.
- When was the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) registered?
- On August 17, 2020 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) (京都市美術館正門（南）) |
|---|---|
| Location | 144 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2020/08/17 (Reiwa 2) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete faced with granite, 18 m wide, posts 2 m high |
| Owner | Kyoto City |
| Public Access | Outdoors; visible from Jingu-michi |
References
- Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Gate (South) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00013413
- Registration of the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Main Building and Related Structures (Kyoto City press release, March 19, 2020, Japanese)
- https://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/wp-content/uploads/%EF%BC%88%E5%BA%83%E5%A0%B1%E8%B3%87%E6%96%99%EF%BC%89%E5%9B%BD%E7%99%BB%E9%8C%B2%E6%9C%89%E5%BD%A2%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E8%B2%A1%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E7%99%BB%E9%8C%B2.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.20
