Could Salvador Dali’s melting watches really melt time? Here at the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, time seems to slow. This museum isn’t just a place to view art. It’s a sanctuary where art and nature meet.
The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum opened in 1968. It underwent remodeling in 1996. The museum is next to Shukkeien Garden. It is known for its greenery. From the lobby, you can enjoy the seasonal beauty. The garden was created for the Asano Clan leader. The clan once ruled Hiroshima.
Inside the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum are about 5,000 artworks. The collection focuses on three areas. These are art related to Hiroshima. There are also Japanese and Asian crafts. Finally, there are works from the 1920s and 1930s.
The Hiroshima collection features local artists. These include Ikuo Hirayama and Katsuzo Entsuba. You can also see the Imari Porcelain Flower Bowl. The Itsukushima Folding Screen is another highlight. Both are Important Cultural Properties.
The museum’s craft collection includes pieces from Kanjiro Kawai. Shoji Hamada is also represented. Metalwork and dyed fabric art from Central Asia are here too.
The 1920s and 1930s collection includes Salvador Dali’s “Dream of Venus”. Isamu Noguchi’s “Tsuiso (Reminiscences)” is another key piece.
The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum holds four permanent exhibits yearly. These showcase the best of the collection. Friendly volunteers are available. They help visitors understand the art. About six special exhibits occur each year. These often include lectures and concerts.
The museum has a Prefectural Gallery in the basement. Students and art lovers showcase creative works here. An art library offers resources for research. The Lecture Hall hosts cultural events.
Don’t miss the Italian restaurant. It enhances the museum experience. A museum shop provides souvenirs.
Consider attending an English Kagura Experience. Kagura is folk entertainment from northern Hiroshima. It is colorful and exciting. On Saturdays, English explanations are shown. You can chat with performers and try on costumes. Performances are also on Wednesdays.
The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm. On Fridays, it stays open until 8 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Admission for adults is 510 yen. A joint ticket includes Shukkeien Garden for 610 yen. Entry is free for those under 18.
Located a short walk from Hiroshima Station, the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum provides parking and elevators. Automatic doors and braille blocks are available. Nursing rooms and restrooms are barrier-free.
As you leave the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum, reflect on the art. Remember the blend of local and global creativity. Take with you the memory of a place where art meets nature.