Kyoto Art Center, Arts center in Nakagyō-ku, Japan.
Kyoto Art Center is an arts facility in a three-story reinforced concrete building that houses studios, galleries, an auditorium, and a Japanese-style hall. Inside, visitors will find a library, information desk, a traditional tea room, and a coffee shop.
The building opened as Sanbangumi Elementary School in 1869 and was renamed Meirin Elementary School before closing in 1993. After its closure, it was restored and transformed into an arts center.
The center preserves traditional theater practices like kyōgen and Noh within its spaces. Visitors can observe how these ancient arts remain active in the building's daily operations.
The center is easily accessible with clear signage directing visitors through different areas and multiple entry points. The spaces are open for exploration during regular operations, even when classes or performances are taking place.
Four sections of the complex received official registration as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2008: the north, south, and west wings plus the gate and surrounding wall. This recognition reflects the historical value of the entire building ensemble and its surrounding structures.
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