Art Complex 1928

Art Complex 1928 is a theater in Nakagyō Ward housed in a 1928 building that has been converted to include a 72-seat performance space with a distinctive 5-meter-high arched ceiling. The intimate venue has a small capacity, which creates a close connection between performers and spectators.

The building originally housed the Kyoto branch of the Mainichi Newspaper before being converted into a cultural venue in December 1999. This transformation gave the historic structure a new purpose.

The theater presents GEAR, a non-verbal performance that blends mechanical displays, circus elements, and traditional performance techniques. Audiences experience a mix of visual effects and handcrafted creativity.

The venue is walking distance from public transit, reachable in about 8 minutes from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station or about 5 minutes from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Line. The small seating capacity means it fills up quickly, so arriving early helps secure a good spot.

The venue has maintained continuous performances of GEAR since 2012, accumulating more than 4,500 shows. This long-running series demonstrates steady audience interest in this form of performance.

Location: Nakagyō Ward

Official opening: December 10, 1999

Website: https://gear.ac/access/theatre

GPS coordinates: 35.00848,135.76654

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:01