Sophisticated Space is the Popular Photo Spot! Modern Architecture “Heisei Chishinkan” Designed To Harmonize with Historic Buildings

Kyoto National Museum is located in an area surrounded by numerous cultural assets and a rich natural environment. “Heisei Chishinkan(平成知新館)” on the premises is a new wing, which was opened in 2014. The simple and modern structure is impressive, it has been a popular photo spot.

The “Heisei Chishinkan’ was designed by the architect Yoshio Taniguchi, which known for his design of the Museum of Modern art in New York’s new building and the Tokyo National Museum.

The design has been devised ‘how to harmonize the Heisei Chisinkan with the old cityscape of Kyoto and side by side Meiji Kotokan Hall(明治古都館). The glass wall in front of the building is a highlight, which is designed like a Japanese shoji screen.

In addition, the inside view of Heisei Chisinkan is an exhibition space based on a ‘straight line’ and ‘surface’ that take advantage of Japanese space composition. This building is used to display the works of art such as pottery, archeology, paintings and sculptures and cultural properties which are deposited from nearby temples and shrines. Not only the design of the exhibition room but also the open lobby is unique. The soft sunlight shines on it, making visitors feel warm.

Although there is a lot of historical architecture in Kyoto, it is also one of the attractions that line up sophisticated modern architecture. Why not visit ‘Heisei Chisinkan’ which is the essence of modern architecture?