Hiroshima Museum of Art

Gazing up at the Hiroshima Museum of Art, a question arises: how can beauty thrive in the shadow of such devastation? This museum, established in 1978 by Hiroshima Bank, stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It commemorates not only the bank’s centennial but also the city’s rebirth. The Hiroshima Museum of Art’s very existence reflects a prayer for peace and a tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing. The architecture itself echoes iconic Hiroshima landmarks. The main building, a rounded dome, evokes the Atomic Bomb Dome. The surrounding corridors are reminiscent of Itsukushima Shrine. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites, deeply entwined with Hiroshima’s identity. Inside, the Hiroshima Museum of Art houses a remarkable collection. Approximately 90 modern European paintings grace its walls, showcasing masters from Delacroix to Picasso. A companion collection of about 90 works celebrates modern Japanese painters who embraced Western styles. Among the museum’s treasures are eight Picasso paintings spanning his long career. Another highlight is one of three existing versions of Van Gogh’s “Daubigny’s Garden,” painted near the end of his life. The Hiroshima Museum of Art even welcomes photography, a rare opportunity in Japan. Outside the museum, the grounds offer a peaceful respite. Admire the horse chestnut trees, a gift from Picasso’s son, Claude. The “Fountain of Marronniers,” named for the trees, features koi, a symbol of Hiroshima. The Hiroshima Museum of Art isn’t simply a museum. It is a symbol of hope, a beacon of beauty in a city scarred by tragedy. It proclaims the enduring power of art and the human will to rebuild and remember.