Perched high on the hill in the forest of Hiroshima’s Hijiyama Park, the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (Hiroshima MOCA) feels like a modern castle within a walled garden. Founded in 1989 and designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, this dedicated contemporary art museum offers an excellent permanent collection and hosts several temporary and touring exhibitions throughout the year.
After climbing the steep hill via the stairs or curving ramp, you’ll be rewarded with your first glimpse of Kurokawa’s stunning design. Incorporating a contemporary take on a colonnade, an agora and a Japanese traditional storehouse, Kurokawa’s design synthesizes the past into a gleaming aluminum representation of the future.
Enter the museum to find two main wings. Exhibitions range from curated selections of the museum’s collection to artist retrospectives and displays of annual prize winners. A cinema room displays a rotating selection of contemporary video artworks. The museum has a strong focus on Japanese artists, but also displays work by well-known and emerging international artists.
Find out which public programs, workshops and lectures you can join. Some of these are targeted to specific audiences, such as young children. Outside the museum walls, be sure to check out the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art’s open-air exhibition area. A stroll around the museum grounds will lead you past a stunning collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures by Japanese and international artists.
Take a break from your exploration of the museum with a cup of coffee or tea from the on-site café. The elegantly designed café also serves light meals and alcoholic beverages.
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art is open daily, except for Mondays and between Dec. 27 and Jan. 1. There is an admission fee for the collection exhibitions and an additional fee for special exhibitions. Discounts are available for students and seniors. The museum is located in Hijiyama Park, a short walk uphill from the surrounding streets. The nearest tram station is Hijiyama-shita. While visiting the park, check out the city views from the nearby Hijiyama Sky Walk.
