Modern architecture appeared in Kyoto under the Meiji period “civilization and enlightenment” policy of modernization. The national capital had been transferred to Tokyo, but Japanese architects who had newly learned ideas of western architecture were inspired by the historic appeal of Kyoto and Japan’s drive for modernization. Many buildings from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods, including the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, remain in use today. Kyoto’s experience in the preservation and utilization of historically important architecture is extensive and the city is a living architecture museum offering many examples of modern and contemporary buildings that coexist with premodern and ancient architecture.

This large-scale exhibition of modern Kyoto architecture at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art is especially meaningful because the Museum building itself is an important example of modern architecture in Kyoto. The exhibition also underscores the fact that Kyoto architecture is more than shrines and temples. As a comprehensive introduction of modern architecture in Kyoto, the exhibition will include original drawings, architectural models, photographs and videos. A city walking tour will offer a chance to enrich the experience of Kyoto architecture.