The Hiroshima museums are a window into the city’s poignant history, vibrant culture, and scientific advancements. From exhibits on the atomic bombing to art galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary masterpieces, these institutions provide deep insights into Hiroshima’s past and future. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or art, Hiroshima Museum options cater to every interest. Each museum offers a unique perspective on the city’s resilience, artistic endeavours, and technological contributions.
10 Famous Hiroshima Museums
Here’s a list of must-visit Hiroshima museum destinations that provide valuable insights into the city’s past and present.
1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Photo: Wiiii / Wikimedia Commons
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum stands as a powerful testament to the devastating impact of the atomic bomb, preserving artefacts, photographs, and personal stories of survivors. Its exhibits, including melted objects and torn clothing, provide a haunting yet essential insight into the human cost of nuclear warfare. Interactive displays and survivor testimonies emphasise the urgent message of peace, making it a deeply moving and educational experience for visitors worldwide.
Entry Fees: 200 JPY (₹110) for adults; 100 JPY (₹55) for children
Location: Nakajimacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Atomic bomb relics, survivor testimonies, historical photographs
2. Hiroshima Museum Of Art
Photo: At by At / Wikimedia Commons
The Hiroshima Museum of Art is a treasure trove of European and Japanese masterpieces, featuring works by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and renowned Japanese artists. What makes it unique is its focus on “art with a heart,” emphasising warmth and peace through impressionism and modernism. The museum’s serene layout and rotating exhibitions create an immersive experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the power of art in human emotions.
Entry Fees: 700 JPY (₹400)
Location: 3-2 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: European Impressionist art, Japanese traditional paintings, temporary exhibitions
3. Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
Photo: そらみみ / Wikimedia Commons
The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is a cultural gem that showcases an impressive collection of Japanese and international artworks, with a strong focus on local Hiroshima artists and traditional crafts. It houses masterpieces ranging from Nihonga paintings to contemporary sculptures, offering a deep dive into Japan’s artistic evolution. Special exhibitions highlight themes like nature and peace, while its serene Shukkeien Garden views create a harmonious blend of art and tranquillity.
Entry Fees: 510 JPY (₹275)
Location: 2-22 Kaminobori-cho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Modern Japanese art, cultural heritage exhibits, Shukkeien Garden
4. Hiroshima City Museum Of Contemporary Art
Photo: Asturio Cantabrio / Wikimedia Commons
The Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art stands out for its striking postmodern architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions. Showcasing works from both Japanese and international artists, it explores themes of peace, history, and modern societal challenges. The museum integrates interactive installations, outdoor sculptures, and a rich collection of post-war contemporary art, making it a dynamic space for artistic dialogue. Special exhibitions frequently challenge conventional perspectives, engaging visitors in deep reflection.
Entry Fees: 360 JPY (₹195)
Location: 1-1 Hijiyama Koen, Minami Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Modern sculptures, paintings, experimental art installations
5. Mazda Museum
Photo: Bergfalke2 / Wikimedia Commons
The Mazda Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the brand’s innovative spirit, showcasing its evolution from a cork manufacturer to a global automotive leader. Visitors can explore the development of the rotary engine, Mazda’s racing legacy, and concept cars that highlight its cutting-edge technology. Interactive displays and behind-the-scenes factory tours provide an immersive experience, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts and engineering aficionados alike.
Entry Fees: Free (Reservation required)
Location: 3-1 Mukainada-cho, Fuchu-cho, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Mazda’s history, assembly line tour, future car technologies
6. Hiroshima Children’s Museum
Photo: Taisyo / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the 5-days Children’s Culture and Science Museum, the Hiroshima Children’s Museum is a dynamic space where science meets creativity, designed to spark curiosity in young minds. Its interactive exhibits cover astronomy, physics, and robotics, allowing hands-on learning through engaging experiments. The planetarium is a highlight, offering stunning celestial shows that make space exploration exciting.
Entry Fees: 500 JPY (₹290) for adults; 250 JPY (₹145) for children
Location: 5-83 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Science exhibits, planetarium, hands-on workshops
7. Wood Egg Okonomimura Museum
Photo: longmandancer@btopenworld.com / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Wood Egg Okonomimura Museum is a haven for food lovers, dedicated to the art of okonomiyaki, Japan’s beloved savoury pancake. This interactive museum showcases the evolution of okonomiyaki, from its humble origins to its regional variations. Visitors can watch expert chefs demonstrate traditional cooking techniques, try hands-on workshops, and explore exhibits featuring vintage cooking tools. The highlight is tasting freshly made okonomiyaki, customised with unique toppings!
Entry Fees: Entry is free but Okonomiyaki experience starts at 1000 JPY (₹576)
Location: 5-11-13 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Okonomiyaki history, interactive cooking experiences, food tasting
8. Hiroshima Castle Museum
Photo: Madhav Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Hiroshima Castle Museum offers a captivating journey through samurai history, featuring well-preserved artefacts, armour, and swords from Japan’s feudal era. The reconstructed castle, originally built in the 16th century, provides interactive exhibits on Hiroshima’s past, including its role as a military hub. Visitors can dress in samurai costumes, explore panoramic city views from the top floor, and learn about the castle’s destruction and rebirth after World War II.
Entry Fees: 370 JPY (₹200)
Location: 21-1 Moto-machi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Samurai armor, ancient weapons, castle history
9. Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum preserves powerful messages of resilience and hope through handwritten chalk notes left on its walls after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Once a refuge for survivors, the school became a communication hub amid devastation. Today, visitors can see these original messages, listen to survivor testimonies, and explore exhibits that highlight children’s experiences during the tragedy, offering a deeply moving perspective on history and peace.
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
Location: 6-36 Fukuromachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: School remains, survivor messages, wartime artifacts
10. Hiroshima City Ebiyama Museum Of Meteorology
Photo: Taisyo / Wikimedia Commons
The Hiroshima City Ebiyama Museum of Meteorology is a fascinating hub for weather enthusiasts, blending science with interactive exhibits. It showcases cutting-edge meteorological instruments, historical weather records, and engaging simulations of typhoons and earthquakes. Visitors can experience a simulated weather broadcast, track atmospheric changes in real time, and learn about Hiroshima’s climate history.
Entry Fees: 100 JPY (₹55)
Location: 1-40-1 Eba Minami, Naka Ward, Hiroshima
Main Attractions: Weather forecasting tools, climate change exhibits, interactive experiments
The Hiroshima Museums offer an incredible opportunity to understand the city’s past, artistic expression, and scientific innovations. Whether it’s the sobering exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum or the inspiring artworks at the Hiroshima Museum of Art, each destination provides a unique learning experience. By visiting these remarkable sites, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Hiroshima’s resilience and cultural contributions. Book your trip with TripXL to explore these iconic museums in Hiroshima today.
Cover Photo: Naokijp / Wikimedia Commons