Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroshima is somewhat spoiled for choice when it comes to looking at art. If you count galleries and exhibitions in coffee shops and other venues, the possibilities immediately expand to fill more time than you probably have. For the moment, then, let’s talk about conventional museums in and around the city. Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum  Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum (HPAM) is located north of the downtown shopping center, adjacent to Shukkeien Garden. Downstairs, there are a number of public gallery spaces available for exhibitions. Calligraphers, textile artists, student shows and even English-language kagura are all on offer here at different times. The main floor has a restaurant and gift shop, as well as an excellent art library for browsing on rainy days. The museum’s permanent collection is on the second floor and is well worth a visit. Go more than once, in fact, because even if the main pieces on display don’t change over time, you will. On the third floor, traveling exhibits are shown. These vary wildly both in kind and appeal, but if you keep an eye on the schedule you’ll be pleasantly surprised at various points throughout the year. This is a good place to bring kids,…