Located on Hijiyama Hill, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art occupies a unique place in the Japanese cultural landscape. First public museum of contemporary art in the country, it offers a sensitive reading of modern and current creation, while offering a privileged view of the city. His visit naturally integrates into a stay in Hiroshima, whether he is interested in art, architecture or understanding contemporary Japanese cultural dynamics.
A pioneer museum in Japan’s cultural history
Inaugurated in 1989, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art marks an important milestone in the institutional recognition of contemporary art in Japan. At a time when public museums focused mainly on classical or modern art, Hiroshima made the bold choice to create a place entirely dedicated to contemporary, Japanese and international artistic expressions. This orientation reflects the city’s desire to move towards the future, while assuming a deep reflection on memory, society and the human condition.
The permanent collection brings together works covering several decades, with particular attention to post-war Japanese artists and dialogues with the international scene. The topics discussed, often related to peace, body, city or environment, are reflected in the history of Hiroshima without ever falling into direct illustration.
The architecture of Kisho Kurokawa, a museum thought like a journey
The museum building is the work of Kisho Kurokawa, a major figure in contemporary Japanese architecture and associated with the metabolistic movement. Located on the wooded slopes of Hijiyama, the building dialogues with the surrounding nature rather than imposing it. Geometric volumes, natural light games and open perspectives accompany the visitor on a smooth journey, conducive to contemplation.
From the terraces and glazed areas, the view on Hiroshima brings an additional dimension to the visit. The museum is not merely exhibiting works, it invites you to take a step back, observe the city and put art in a real life setting. This constant relationship between interior and exterior is an integral part of the experience.
Renovation and reopening, a new museum
After more than two years of work, the museum reopened in the spring of 2023. This renovation has enabled the exhibition space to be modernised, the conditions of conservation improved and the public’s reception was rethought. The inaugural special exhibition, occupying the entire building, highlighted the richness of the collection and the coherence of the museum project.
Since then, exhibitions in the collection have resumed, offering a regular rotation of works and a renewed reading of the funds. This dynamic allows visitors to rediscover the museum even during repeated stays in Hiroshima.
Temporary exhibitions and permanent collection
Programming alternates between the collection’s presentations and temporary exhibitions, often dedicated to recognized or emerging contemporary artists. Temporary exhibitions address various, sometimes experimental, topics that reflect current trends in artistic creation.
The permanent collection provides a solid basis for understanding the evolution of contemporary art in Japan. Painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations coexist in a confrontation designed to promote understanding, even for an audience unfamiliar with this artistic current.
Practical information to organize the visit
The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art is generally open from late morning until late afternoon, with a final admission before closing. It is closed on Mondays and at the end of the year. Prices remain accessible, with discounts for students and seniors, and free rates for children.
The museum is located in Hijiyama Park, in the Minami district. From the Hiroshima station, access is simple thanks to the tramway or the urban bus, followed by a short pleasant walk through the park. Free parking is also available, making it easier for motorized travellers to visit.
Integrating the museum into a Hiroshima route
The visit to the museum easily takes place in half a day, combined with a walk in Hijiyama Park or the discovery of other cultural sites in the city. Its slightly backward location from the bustling centre offers an appreciable break in a dense visit program.
For art lovers, it is a relevant complement to the more well known places related to the history of the city. For curious travellers, this is an opportunity to understand how Hiroshima is also told by contemporary creation, beyond its tragic past.
A place adapted to different visitor profiles
The museum is intended for both contemporary art enthusiasts and visitors wishing to discover a less anticipated aspect of Hiroshima. The spaces are clear, well marked, and mediation allows for an accessible reading of the works. Temporary exhibitions often attract local audiences, allowing for a cultural moment to be shared with locals.
Travellers with little time will appreciate the human size of the museum, while those who stay longer in Hiroshima will be able to come back to follow the evolution of the exhibitions.
The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art illustrates an essential facet of the city, focused on creation, reflection and dialogue. Set in a soothing natural setting, it offers a complete cultural experience that enriches any discovery of Hiroshima, bringing a contemporary look at a constantly changing city.
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