Q: What sort of institution is the Yokohama Museum of EurAsian Cultures?

A: We opened in March 2003 with a collection donated by Namio Egami (1906-2002), which comprises more than 2,500 objects of historical, archaeological, art-historical, and ethnological significance, as well as roughly 25,000 books and journals encompassing these disciplines. The director is Kazuo Ueyama.

Q: What does EurAsia with a capital “A” signify?

A: We see in the word EurAsia a combined landmass of Europe and Asia and, more importantly, a continuous stage for diverse cultural and commercial exchange from ancient to modern, East and West. We capitalize both “E” and “A” to equally represent the two.

Q: What kind of objects are on display?

A: Our permanent exhibition displays approximately 250 objects under the five intercultural themes “Across Deserts and Grasslands,” “Color and Shape,” “Technique,” “Adornment,” and “Word and Image.”

Q: How long does it take to look around the entire Museum?

A: Approximately thirty minutes per gallery. You may want to spend some extra time in the Library of the permanent exhibition gallery.

Q: Why do you keep the lights dim in certain areas?

A: Light can be a cause of damage to paper, cloth, inks, pigments, and dyes which constitute the display of “Adornment” and “Word and Image.” We carefully control luminance and ultraviolet rays to minimize the harmful effects of light.

Q: Do you ever replace objects in the permanent exhibition?

A: Changing exhibits occurs once or twice a year in the permanent exhibition, and twice in the thematic exhibition.

Q: Can I take photographs in the galleries?

A: Taking photographs by any means is not allowed in the galleries without permission granted by the Museum.

Q: Other than viewing exhibitions, what kind of activities do you offer?

A: We organize a wide range of events—talks, tours, concerts, and family-oriented workshops—specially designed to enrich your experience at the Museum. Curators’ researches are published as exhibition catalogues and bulletins which are available for purchase at the Museum Shop.

Q: Can I read books in the Museum’s collection?

A: You have free access to the books in the Library of the permanent exhibition gallery. You can also place requests for special viewing of our collections by making an appointment.

Q: Are there restaurants in or around the Museum?

A: Outside the Museum you can find a variety of international cuisines, including those in Yokohama Chinatown.

Q: Do you have parking facilities for visitors?

A: No parking space is available at the Museum. Please seek self-parking options.

Q: Can I visit the Museum in wheelchair?

A: You can borrow our manual wheelchair for free. All of our facilities and events are wheelchair accessible.

Q: I am interested in the architecture of the Museum. Can you tell me its history?

A: The Museum is a Yokohama-City-certified historic building. The original architecture was constructed in 1929 to house Yokohama Central Telephone Exchange, which continued to operate even after World War II as Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation. Upon NTT’s transfer, the city of Yokohama decided to preserve and leverage the historic building, which led to the birth of the present Museum housing the Yokohama Museum of EurAsian Cultures and the Museum of Yokohama Urban History.

Q: Are there gallery talks other than those in Calendar?

A: By appointment, our curators will be delighted to offer gallery talks for groups and individuals.

Q: How do I get to the Museum?

A: Nearest stations: Nihon Odori exit 3 (Minato Mirai Subway); Kannai exit 1 (Yokohama Municipal Subway); Kannai South Exit (JR).

Q: What are hours and admission?

A: Hours
Monday: Closed (except on national holidays when the Museum closes on the following Tuesday)
Tuesday－Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)
*Hours may be extended on special occasions (See Calendar)

Admission (Permanent Exhibition)
100 yen per elementary and junior-high school student
200 yen per adult.
*Free admission days and special-exhibition fees will be notified accordingly.

Q: Tell me about the mascot of the Museum.

A: Our official mascot is “Kobuchan” inspired by a bronze figurine of ancient Iranian hump-backed ox in the Egami Collection.