HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM
Driven by the founder Tadao Ueshima’s vision to
"share the greatness of coffee with as many people as possible,"
this specialized coffee museum was established on
October 1, 1987—Coffee Day (now International Coffee Day)—in Kobe,
the very city where our company was founded.
HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM
The roots of the UCC Coffee Museum trace back to the "UCC Coffee Pavilion,"
which debuted at the 1981 Kobe Port Island Exposition (Portopia '81).
1981
The "UCC Coffee Pavilion"—The Predecessor of the Museum
From March 20 to September 15, 1981, UCC exhibited the "UCC Coffee Pavilion" at the Kobe Port Island Exposition. Amidst a venue filled with uniquely designed pavilions, UCC captured everyone's attention with its striking architectural marvel shaped like a giant coffee cup.
From a Coffee Cup "Pavilion" to a Mosque-Inspired "Museum"
Following the exposition, the structural framework of the coffee cup pavilion was reimagined into a building inspired by an Islamic mosque, completing the UCC Coffee Museum we see today. This design pays tribute to the historical fact that coffee was cherished as a significant beverage within Islamic mosques, which later served as the very catalyst that introduced coffee culture to the world.
1987
The Grand Opening of the UCC Coffee Museum
On October 1, celebrated as "Coffee Day" (now International Coffee Day), the UCC Coffee Museum officially opened its doors to the world.
1988
A Royal Visit by His Majesty the Emperor (Then His Imperial Highness Prince Naruhito)
In the following year, the museum was deeply honored to welcome Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi, alongside numerous distinguished dignitaries and global leaders from around the world.
Shaped by Coffee Culture: Special Exhibitions
We have also presented special exhibitions focused on the theme, "How Coffee and People Walk Hand in Hand."
July 26 – September 4, 1988
October 1 – November 20, 1988
April 1 – May 21, 1989
1992
International Coffee Culture Conference
To commemorate the 5th anniversary of the museum, this conference brought together voices from both coffee-producing and coffee-consuming nations. Together, they explored the charm and future potential of coffee, envisioning the landscape of next-generation coffee culture.
1995
Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
Despite being struck by severe liquefaction, the facility managed to repair and reopen in just about two and a half months, aiming for the cultural recovery of the disaster-stricken area.
2000〜
A Vibrant Hub for Diverse Events
The museum began regularly hosting events welcoming everyone from children to adults. Filled with the rich aroma of coffee, these gatherings brought countless smiles and a true sense of connection to our visitors.
2007
The Launch of the "UCC Coffee Academy"
The UCC Coffee Academy was established within the UCC Coffee Museum as an educational institution dedicated to the systematic study of coffee. Beyond offering an immersive, hands-on experience of the coffee world, our core philosophy is to empower students to become inspiring ambassadors who share the wonder and greatness of coffee with the world.
2013
Grand Renewal in Celebration of UCC’s 80th Anniversary
Marking 80 years of UCC, the museum completely renovated its exhibition halls and celebrated its grand reopening on October 1, 2013—International Coffee Day. Since then, we have continued to inspire and enrich daily life through the timeless appeal of coffee.
2017
The 30th Anniversary of the UCC Coffee Museum
On October 1, 2017—International Coffee Day—the museum proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of sharing the rich culture and history of coffee.
2020
Temporary Closure Amid the Global Pandemic
With the global spread of COVID-19, the UCC Coffee Museum made the responsible decision to temporarily close its doors, prioritizing the health and safety of our valued visitors and staff above all else.
2026
Reopening as a Hub of Coffee Knowledge and Innovation
On July 1, 2026, the museum celebrated its grand reopening, debuting the all-new "Future Area" and introducing an expanded, dynamic lineup of experience programs. Standing alongside the UCC Coffee Academy and the UCC Innovation Center, the museum serves as a vital nexus for generating coffee knowledge. From right here in Kobe, we will continue to share the enduring charm and boundless possibilities of coffee with the world.
