Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
アクセス (1)
How do I get there?
From Kumamoto City Tram stop 'Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Mae', about 15 minutes' walk, or use the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus (Shiro Meguri-n). By car: about 40 minutes from Mashiki-Kumamoto Airport IC via Prefectural Road 36, or about 40 minutes from Ueki IC via National Route 3.
休館日 (1)
When is the museum closed?
Generally closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, open that day and closed the following weekday instead). Closed from 25 December to 7 January. Also closed during exhibition changeover periods. July and August may have special closing schedules; please check the official website.
展示 (3)
What can I see in the Hosokawa Collection Eiseibunko exhibition room?
A separate exhibition space opened in April 2008 displaying important collections including treasures from the Hosokawa family, former lords of Kumamoto. Special benefits are available for Eiseibunko supporters' association members and passport holders.
What artworks can I see?
The museum holds and displays a wide range from archaeology to contemporary art, including paintings, prints, sculpture, crafts, and calligraphy. Highlights include the Decorated Tomb Room (open year-round), the Hosokawa Collection Eiseibunko exhibition room, Western paintings by artists such as Renoir and Paskin, and works by printmaker Tomoa Hamada.
What kind of exhibition is the Decorated Burial Mounds Room?
This is an exhibition room that views ancient sculptural art as the origin of Japanese art, displaying replicas of approximately 10 decorated burial mounds. It is a permanent exhibition open to the public at all times.
教育 (1)
Do you offer educational programmes?
Yes, we run various educational and outreach activities including practical courses, a children's art museum, and museum seminars, alongside planned exhibitions and joint exhibitions. We also sell and loan art cards to schools.
料金 (1)
How much is admission?
Admission is required for the Collection Exhibition (varies by exhibition). Special exhibitions and rental gallery exhibitions have separate admission fees. Group rates apply for groups of 20 or more and for members of the Friends association. Please check the official website (pref.kumamoto.jp/site/museum/) for details.
施設 (1)
What is the difference between the main building and the annex?
The main building (in Nonomaru Park) focuses on collection exhibitions, special exhibitions, and comprehensive displays from ancient to contemporary art. The annex (2-18 Chiba Castle-cho, Chuo Ward) features planned exhibitions and solo and group shows by local artists, with different opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:30–18:30, Saturday–Sunday and holidays 9:30–17:15. Each has its own appeal.
見どころ (1)
Can I enjoy this along with Kumamoto Castle?
Yes, the museum is located in the Ninomaru Park of Kumamoto Castle, making it ideal to visit together with Kumamoto Castle. You can also view the castle from the lobby and café.
駐車場 (1)
Is there parking?
Please use the Ninomaru parking lot (paid) or Sanomaru parking lot (paid) near the museum. There are also private paid parking lots in the surrounding area.
Other (6)
When is the museum closed?
Mondays (if a holiday, the following weekday is closed instead), year-end/new year holidays (December 25 – January 7), and exhibition changeover periods.
How do I get there?
From Kumamoto City Tram stop 'Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Mae', about 15 minutes' walk, or use the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus (Shiro Meguri-n).
What is the address?
2-2 Nonomaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
What is the admission fee?
Collection exhibitions are paid (rates vary by exhibition); special exhibitions have separate pricing.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available. Please check the official information for details.
What are the opening hours?
9:30–17:15 (last admission 16:45)