The Simose Art Museum is one of the most scenic contemporary art museums in Japan. Located near Hiroshima in the city of Otake, the museum opened in 2023 and is located on the Inland Sea with amazing views of the Setouchi Islands. This innovative museum was designed by Shigeru Ban and consists of movable colored glass boxes that house the rotating exhibitions and appear to float on the water. It was voted as the world's most beautiful museum at the 2024 Prix Versailles awards. The museum exhibitions include not only contemporary works, but also traditional Japanese crafts, Western art and exhibitions showcasing Shigeru Ban's architectural works. Ban's themes including sustainability and innovation are evidenced in the museum, which includes recycled materials and the unique movable gallery design. Ban has himself stated his intention was for Simose to be both an architectural and art museum.
Getting to the museum does take some time, with a 40 minute JR Line train ride from Hiroshima station and then a 10 minute cab or bus ride from Otake Station to the Museum site. With an early start, the museum can be seen in a half day. There are also ten villas (Simose Art Garden Villa) nearby for guests to stay overnight and a French restaurant on the museum grounds. The all-suite villas are distinct in their design (Waterfront and Forest Villas) and also designed by Shigeru Ban. A cafe in the main entrance hall has light fare including cakes, coffee and sandwiches. In the evening, the museum galleries light up, which may make the overnight stay worth it.
Although most discussions on art in the Seto Inland Sea focus on Naoshima and its surrounding islands, this museum is worth the excursion from Hiroshima and will equally delight art and design lovers. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
