Kyoto University Museum

Kyoto University Museum is a repository of natural history specimens, cultural artifacts, and scientific models housed in modern facilities on the Yoshida Campus. The exhibition displays material collected from various academic departments over many years, organized into different sections for browsing.

The institution was founded in 1997 to manage scientific collections, and public access began in 2001. It brings together material that generations of university researchers had accumulated, from biological specimens to academic records.

The museum reflects how researchers at this university have preserved the results of their scientific work over many decades, displaying items that show what scholars considered important to study and keep. Visitors can observe how these collections continue to be maintained and presented to the public as a record of academic curiosity.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and can be found near the Hyakumanben intersection within the university grounds. Plan to spend several hours here, and visiting on a weekend morning often feels less crowded than weekday afternoons.

The museum regularly offers 3D technology demonstrations and astronomy talks where visitors can interact with local stargazing groups. These programs are led by graduate students and give insight into cutting-edge research topics being pursued on campus.

Location: Sakyō-ku

Inception: April 1, 1997

Architects: Kiyoshi Kawasaki, Junzō Munemoto

Official opening: June 1, 2001

Address: 京都府京都市左京区吉田本町

Website: http://museum.kyoto-u.ac.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.02742,135.77931

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03