Simose Art Museum

Opened in March 2023, Simose Art Museum is an architectural gem designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Located on the waterfront with a breathtaking view of Miyajima, the museum was awarded the Versailles Prize in 2024 as one of the "Most Beautiful Museums in the World”.

One of its most striking features is the series of eight movable exhibition rooms, each enclosed in different colored glass, inspired by the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. These rooms appear to float on a vast reflecting water basin, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The museum’s collection includes Japanese crafts, such as Hina dolls and Kyoto dolls, as well as Western decorative arts, with a focus on Émile Gallé’s glasswork. Additionally, modern art from both Japan and the West is displayed in themed exhibitions.
There’s also a pyramid-shaped hilltop terrace nearby where panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea await alongside a garden of plants depicted in Gallé’s artworks.

Adjacent to the museum, ten private villas designed by Shigeru Ban are nestled among trees and overlooking the reflecting water. These villas offer an exclusive retreat, where guests can enjoy French cuisine made with local ingredients while immersing themselves in art and nature.