Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1989 as Japan's first public museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Located in Hijiyama Park overlooking central Hiroshima, the museum was designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa as part of the city's cultural renaissance following its post-war reconstruction. The distinctive building features a curved, modernist design that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding parkland and offers panoramic views of the city below.

The museum houses an impressive permanent collection of over 1,500 works by both Japanese and international contemporary artists, with particular emphasis on pieces created after 1945. Notable holdings include works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and prominent Japanese artists such as Yves Klein and Nam June Paik. The collection reflects Hiroshima's unique perspective on peace, renewal, and artistic expression in the modern era, making it culturally significant as both an art institution and a symbol of the city's recovery and growth.

Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions across the museum's three floors, featuring contemporary paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works. The museum's highlight is its outdoor sculpture garden within Hijiyama Park, where large-scale artworks are displayed against the backdrop of Hiroshima's skyline. The museum also offers educational programs, artist talks, and workshops throughout the year.

The museum is accessible via the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) streetcar system, with the nearest stop being Hijiyama-shita on the Ujina Line, followed by a 10-minute uphill walk through the park. Alternatively, visitors can take bus route 21 or 22 to the Hijiyama Park stop. General admission costs ¥370 for adults, with reduced rates for students and seniors. The museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year period.