When one thinks of Hiroshima and its tragic history, art museums do not really come to mind. However, in reality, the city is home to several such museums that will bring out the art enthusiast in you. The Hiroshima Museum of Art with its Japanese oil paintings, works by French Impressionists and modern European pieces is one fine example. Established in 1978 as a not for profit organisation by the Hiroshima Bank, it is rich in historical and cultural elements. Apart from the permanent exhibitions housing hundreds of celebrated works, the museum is also home to a multitude of special exhibitions that you must see if given a chance. The Hiroshima Museum of Art is open till 5 pm and remains closed on Mondays.

Yet another popular name in the prefecture is the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, the first public art museum in Japan devoted to Modern Art. Founded in the year 1989, the museum with its inspiring contemporary pieces is also home to some fantastic views of Hiroshima City along with cherry blossoms. Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, the exterior of this place is almost as striking as its collections, if not more. With an amalgamation of stone, tiles and aluminum, it is an illustration of growth and development of mankind.