Set among the trees of Hijiyama Park, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art presents Japanese and international contemporary art in a distinctive building above the city. Opened in 1989, it was Japan’s first public museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art. Inside, you can see works across several media and changing exhibitions; outside, sculptures sit among the park’s leafy paths. The elevated setting also gives you views over Hiroshima. The museum café focuses on produce from local suppliers and has vegan and vegetarian options.
A contemporary art museum in Hijiyama Park
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1989 as Japan’s first public art museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Its setting in Hijiyama Park places the galleries among trees, with the city spread below the hill. The museum brings together work by Japanese and international artists and presents both collection displays and temporary exhibitions.
The building is part of the visit. Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, it has a distinctive form that visitors have likened to a blend of a European circular plaza and a Japanese warehouse. Inside, spacious galleries give the exhibitions room to breathe. The grounds extend the experience outdoors, where sculptures stand along the park paths.
What to see inside and outside
Exhibitions change over time, so the works on view depend on when you visit. The museum’s collection includes painting, sculpture, photography and installations, with artists from Japan and abroad. The permanent collection display draws on the museum’s holdings, while special exhibitions bring in different themes and artists. Some exhibitions have explored public space and remembrance; others have presented artists’ work or subjects such as Finnish sauna culture.
Outdoor sculptures and the surrounding trees make the park a worthwhile part of the stop, even between gallery visits. From the museum area, you can look out over Hiroshima. The café is another option on site, with a focus on ingredients from local farmers, bakeries and fruit shops. Its menu includes vegan and vegetarian choices.
Getting up the hill and planning your visit
The museum is at 1-1 Hijiyamakoen in Minami Ward. Reaching it involves a climb through the park, but escalators near Bookoff provide an alternative to walking uphill. The museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms and parking, and the grounds and building are described as accessible to wheelchair users and people with strollers.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Check its website before travelling, especially if you are planning around a particular exhibition. Collection information is available in Japanese and English, which can help you follow the displays. If you want to return, changing exhibitions give you a different reason to visit on another trip.
FAQ
What kind of art is at Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art?
The museum presents contemporary art by Japanese and international artists, including painting, sculpture, photography and installations. It has collection displays and temporary exhibitions.
Is Hiroshima MOCA closed on Mondays?
Yes. The museum is closed on Mondays; check its website before your visit for current information.
How do you get up to the museum?
The museum is in Hijiyama Park, on a hill. Escalators near Bookoff provide an alternative to climbing the hill on foot.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restrooms and parking. Its facilities are also described as accessible to people using strollers.
