Experience Art in Hiroshima: Three Unique Art Museums

When people think of Hiroshima, many might picture the Atomic Bomb Dome or Itsukushima Shrine, both World Heritage Sites. However, the city is actually home to three art museums, each with its own unique charm, where you can experience Hiroshima’s culture and history through art.

One is a place where you can relax amidst beautiful gardens; another is a place to enjoy classic masterpieces; and the third offers new encounters with contemporary art. Each has its own distinct appeal, and being able to choose which museum to visit based on your mood that day is a pleasure unique to Hiroshima.

In this article, we’ll introduce three art museums in Hiroshima that we recommend whether you’re spending a day off locally or taking a break during your travels.

①Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

Located within walking distance of Hiroshima Station, the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of Art is adjacent to the scenic Shukkeien Garden. The museum houses a collection of approximately 5,200 works, including art related to Hiroshima, Japanese and Asian crafts, and works by Dalí, with exhibitions rotating seasonally.

A unique charm of this museum is the opportunity to enjoy both the art and the Japanese garden together. After viewing the exhibits, take a stroll through Shukkeien Garden to take in the ever-changing seasonal scenery and spend some relaxing, peaceful time. You can also admire the garden from the lobby and rest areas, allowing you to feel connected to nature even while inside the museum.

The interior features an open, airy atrium with a white color scheme, and the spacious exhibition rooms allow you to view the artworks at your own pace. Furthermore, the restaurant and tea room offer the chance to enjoy a meal or coffee while gazing out at Shukkeien Garden, making it the perfect spot for days when you simply want to take it easy. Engaging with the artworks in the museum, strolling through the garden, and taking a break at the café—this is a place where you can experience such a luxurious way to spend your time.

②Hiroshima Museum of Art

Located within Central Park in downtown Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Museum of Art was built under the theme “For Love and Peace.”

The museum houses works by world-renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Chagall, as well as numerous masterpieces of modern Japanese art. Since visitors can see works they’ve seen in art textbooks right before their eyes, it’s a place that appeals not only to art enthusiasts but also to those who “don’t usually visit art museums.”

The building itself is a highlight: the circular main building is inspired by the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the colonnade was designed with Itsukushima Shrine as a motif, expressing the essence of Hiroshima through its architecture. In the center of the museum is a lush courtyard, and we recommend taking some time to relax at the café “Jardin.”

The museum also offers a rich lineup of special exhibitions, ranging from shows dedicated to Monet and Taikan Yokoyama to the Miffy exhibition. With experiential events like “HIROSHIMA NIGHT MUSEUM,” held after closing hours, this is a museum where you can discover new ways to enjoy it no matter how many times you visit.

③Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Hijiyama Park, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art is Japan’s first public museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art.

Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, the museum building itself is like a work of art. The beautiful architecture, which blends harmoniously with nature, and the panoramic view of Hiroshima City from the hilltop make a visit here a truly special experience.

The exhibitions feature works centered on the theme of “Hiroshima,” as well as a wide variety of contemporary art from Japan and abroad. While contemporary art is often perceived as somewhat difficult to understand, staff members known as “Art Navis” are always on hand, making it easy to ask questions about any works that catch your interest—a welcome feature.

In addition, the museum hosts numerous workshops and participatory events, making it a beloved destination where visitors can not only “view” art but also “experience” it. Whether you’re taking a leisurely break at the on-site café or strolling through the park, it’s a place where you can spend a relaxing day. Here, you can enjoy new encounters with art while soaking in the everyday atmosphere of Hiroshima.

After touring the art museums, relax at Hotel Small World

All three art museums are located within Hiroshima City and are within easy reach by streetcar or on foot. After letting the art inspire you, we recommend returning to the hotel to relax and savor the experience.

Located in the heart of Hiroshima City, our hotel offers convenient access to various parts of the city, including Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. It serves as a comfortable base not only for sightseeing in Hiroshima but also for exploring the city’s art museums.

We’ve designed our guest rooms to offer a space where you can experience Hiroshima’s history and culture, allowing you to reflect on peace and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Summary

Hiroshima is home to three art museums, each with its own unique charm: the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, where you can relax amid a Japanese garden; the Hiroshima Museum of Art, where you can encounter world-renowned masterpieces; and the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can encounter new discoveries and perspectives.

At each of these museums, there’s more to enjoy than just the artworks—each offers its own unique experiences, whether it’s the architecture, the natural surroundings, or the cafes. When you visit Hiroshima, why not find your favorite museum and spend some time there to enrich your spirit?