A contemporary art museum set in a hilltop park, redesigned by Tadao Ando and home to works by major Japanese painters—and two famously persistent feline visitors.
At a glance
The Onomichi City Museum of Art stands in Senkō-ji Park, overlooking the city and the Seto Inland Sea. Its collection focuses on Japanese modern and contemporary painting, with particular strength in works by regional artists.
History
The museum opened in 1980 in Senkō-ji Park. In 2003, it underwent a major transformation when architect Tadao Ando redesigned the building, bringing his minimalist aesthetic to the hilltop setting. The new design has made the museum a landmark of contemporary Japanese museum architecture.
What you see
Tadao Ando’s 2003 redesign exemplifies his characteristic use of clean lines, geometric forms, and integration with landscape. The building’s relationship to Senkō-ji Park and views toward the Seto Inland Sea remain central to the visitor experience.
Cultural significance
The museum preserves and presents works by Kobayashi Wasaku and Wada Eisaku, significant figures in twentieth-century Japanese painting. Beyond its art holdings, the museum has become known internationally through social media for its regular encounters with two cats who attempt to enter the building, creating an unexpected intersection of cultural heritage and digital culture.
Key facts
- Country: Japan
- Location: Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Opened: 1980
- Redesigned by: Tadao Ando (2003)
- Coordinates: 34.409917, 133.1958
Practical information & getting there
The museum is located in Senkō-ji Park in central Onomichi. Onomichi is accessible by train and car from Hiroshima. The park setting makes the museum a pleasant destination for those exploring the city’s cultural attractions and historical sites along the Seto Inland Sea.
Sources & resources
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