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Location:
The Tokyo National Museum Kuroda Memorial Hall is located in Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan.
The location of the museum is closed to the main Tokyo National Museum. Besides, it is a part of Tokyo National Museum.
Furthermore, Ueno Park is famous for its surroundings renowned tourist spots.
The park is a nest of museums where several famous museums are located, including the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Royal Museum, and National Museum of Nature and Science.
Besides, Ueno Zoo is the only zoo in Tokyo’s 23 Special Ward located here. The most famous open market in Tokyo Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street is near Ueno Station.
History:
After four years of the death of Kuroda Seiki, Kuroda Memorial Hall was established in 1928. Kuroda bequeathed during his death in 1924 a portion of his house for art.
Kuroda family members donated a room to display his artworks for his memory, which formed the Museum under his name in 1928.
An Art Research Institute was formed to research art and collect research materials. Because of their hard work, the institute was selected to be the Tokyo Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
Later for better facilities, it moved to present location in 2000. Besides, the building was restored to its original appearance. But it took more time and reopened in September 2001.
Later Kuroda Memorial Hall was transferred to the Tokyo National Museum, and its name changed, becoming part of the Tokyo National Museum Kuroda Memorial Hall.
Why famous:
The Kuroda Memorial Hall has several famous western-style artworks, which are incredibly well-known.
In addition, the visitors of the Museum can see Kuroda’s preciousness paintings, including 126 oil paintings, 170 drawings, letters, and sketchbooks.
Who is Kuroda:
Kuroda Seiki, the father of Western-style painting, was a Japanese painter and teacher. He was the first person who brought western-style paint to the Japanese audience.
He was born in Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan on August 9, 1866.
According to Japanese custom, he became his uncle’s adopted son, and his name became Kiyotsuna Kuroda. He went to France to study law when he was 17 years old.
But, he met with famous French painter Raphael Collin and learned painting.
Kuroda Seiki came back to Japan in 1893 and brought the idea of western-style paint to Japan. He established an art group Hakubakai in 1896.
Later, he became a teacher of the Tokyo Art School of the western-style paintings department. He became the pioneer of western-style paintings.
Besides, he became a member of the House of Lords and director of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts.
He died on July 15, 1924, at the age of 57.
Opening hours:
9:30-17:00
The last entry at the Kuroda Memorial Hall is before 30 minutes of closing. However, the hour is subject to change, depending on the museum authority.
It is good that the visiting the museum visitors do not need a reservation in advance. However, if the number of visitors increases, visitors may have to wait to maintain a good environment inside the building.
Closing days:
Generally, the Kuroda Memorial Hall is closed on Monday. However, if Monday is a Japanese national holiday, the Museum remains closed the following day.
Besides, it also remains closed during the year-end holidays. In addition, the Museum may occasionally remain closed because of some important matter.
Admission: free
How to access:
1) Ueno or Uguisudani Station (JR Line):
15 minutes walk
2)Ueno or Nezu Station(Tokyo Metro Line)
15 minutes walk
3) Keisei Ueno Station(Keisei Line)
15 minutes walk
Address:
13-9 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712, Japan
Official website:
Book hetel in Ueno: