MIHO MUSEUM: I. M. Pei’s Architectural Masterpiece

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Update: Apr 04, 2020

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Founded in 1997, MIHO Museum (ミホミュージアム) is located in the mountainous area outskirts of Shigaraki Town in Shiga prefecture, southeast of Kyoto. The exhibition of the museum is a private art collection of Mihiko Koyama, one of the wealthiest women in Japan, showcasing over 2,000 Asian and Western antiques from all over the world.

The museum was designed by one of the most renowned architects in the world, I. M. Pei, who has designed the pyramid of Louvre Museum in Paris. The design of the whole museum is completed under the concept of “Shangri-La”. As well as the collection, the architecture of the museum seems to be highly praised and appreciated as a part of art work.

<<Book a unique Miho Museum tour with an archaeologist, Shiga>>

There are a tunnel and suspension bridge before reaching the main building of the exhibit. The tunnel displays picturesque scenery through the hole in each season such as cherry blossoms which tint the tunnel path with pastel pink (mid April). Approximately three-quarters of the 17,400 square meter building is situated underground, carved out of a rocky mountaintop. This is not to ruin the beautiful natural landscape surrounded, and the museum displays the stunning collaboration of art and nature in each season.

MIHO MUSEUM is a great side trip destination from Kyoto as the nearest train station (Ishiyama Station) can be accessed within 15 mins from Kyoto Station by JR Tokaido Sanyo Line.