Travel Simose Art Museum named ‘world’s most beautiful’

[thomas]

The Simose Art Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, designed by acclaimed architect Shigeru Ban and overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, has been honoured with a prestigious international award. In December 2024, UNESCO awarded the museum the Prix Versailles architectural award, effectively naming it the "world's most beautiful museum."

The museum opened in March 2023 and occupies a 4.6-hectare site. It boasts a unique architectural style: eight vibrantly coloured, box-shaped galleries float serenely on a shallow pool of water, creating a visually striking and unconventional museum experience.

Jerome Gouadain, president of the World Prix Versailles Organization, highlighted the museum's "fascinating and rare" use of vibrant colours within a museum setting. Established in 2015 by UNESCO headquarters, the Prix Versailles recognizes excellence in architecture and design across various categories, including airports and hotels. The Museums category was recently introduced in 2024 to commemorate the award's 10th anniversary. The Simose Art Museum triumphed over a competitive field of six other nominated facilities from China, Egypt, India, and the Netherlands.

Museum in Hiroshima named ‘world’s most beautiful’ | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

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Simose Art Museum

The Simose Art Museum in Otaki, Hiroshima, is a striking architectural statement by Shigeru Ban.

• JREF
• 27 Jan 2025
• Views: 489
• Category: Museums

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

[The Most Beautiful Museum in the World] Nighttime Experience! Shimose Art Museum Illumination Feature / Ōtake City, Hiroshima


Let us introduce the highly talked-about "Shimose Art Museum" in Ōtake City, Hiroshima Prefecture! Opened in March 2023, this museum was awarded the Versailles Prize by UNESCO as "the most beautiful museum in the world." This year, it also won an international lighting design award. Currently, a winter-limited illumination event is being held at the museum!

Inside the museum, visitors can enjoy colorful light displays in a uniquely artistic space designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban. A must-see is the movable exhibition room inspired by the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The light reflections on the colored and mirrored glass in the room create a truly magical atmosphere. Additionally, the "Mirror Forest," featuring blue LEDs, offers a relaxing experience themed around tranquility and a serene ocean.

The illuminated Christmas tree, directed by lighting artist Tatsuya Iwai, is another highlight. Visitors can enjoy its beauty both inside the exhibition rooms and from outside the building, making for stunning photo opportunities when paired with the night views of Miyajima and Ōtake City's industrial skyline.

Currently, the museum is also hosting a special exhibition of European porcelain masterpieces, featuring works by Meissen. Visitors can admire 18th-century porcelain figurines and vibrantly colorful pieces in a 360-degree immersive display.

Aired on December 17, 2024, on KRY Sawayaka Morning

KRY山口放送公式チャンネル

日本テレビ系列のKRY山口放送の公式チャンネルです。

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[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

"SIMOSE French Restaurant [玖波 Kuba]" Adjacent to the Museum

This French restaurant is seamlessly integrated with the Shimose Art Museum, which was selected by UNESCO as "The Most Beautiful Museum in the World."

Set in an extraordinary atmosphere overlooking the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, the restaurant operates under the concept of "Encountering local treasures and the joy of food." It offers healthy and delicious French cuisine with a focus on limiting animal fats, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

SIMOSE French Restaurant 廿日市市/大竹市/フレンチ ネット予約可 | ヒトサラ

 

[johnnyG]

The Simose Art Museum

Sorry, but I've googled this, and it is not at all appealing.

At least on some level, it's not the museum that attracts people (and politely, this one doesn't have anything going for it, IMNSHO), it's its exhibits.

Nobody goes to the Art Institute (chicago) for its architecture (or MoMA), they go for what's inside.

Is there anything worth seeing there?

 

[thomas]

I agree, but the setting does look spectacular.

2024年「世界で最も美しい美術館」に広島・下瀬美術館が選出。ユネスコで創設された建築賞「ベルサイユ賞」7施設のリストが発表

ベルサイユ賞（世界ベルサイユ賞機構）は、著名な建築家や哲学者らの審査で選出される世界的建築賞。「Museums」（美術館・博物館）のカテゴリで、広島県大竹市の下瀬美術館が選出された

www.tokyoartbeat.com

Sometimes (and more often so in Japan), the wrapping is more important than the content.

 

[nahadef]

I don't feel as strong as JohnnyG does about it, but yeah, it's the collection that pulls me in.

My favorite museum I've been to in Japan is the Hakone Open Air Museum, which manages to have a great collection of modern art, but also in the best setting I've ever attended. It's got a permanent Picasso collection, so that alone would have me.

That said, if I ever went to Hiroshima, I would check this place out