UNESCO Crowns Simose Art Museum as 'World's Most Beautiful Museum'

Otake, Hiroshima Prefecture - The renowned Simose Art Museum in Otake, Hiroshima Prefecture has been named the "world's most beautiful museum" by UNESCO, earning a prestigious award for its innovative design.

The museum, designed by acclaimed architect Shigeru Ban and facing the Seto Inland Sea, had previously received recognition from the World Prix Versailles Organization. The organization awarded the Prix Versailles in December 2024, with the Simose Art Museum taking home the top prize in the Museums category.

Located on a stunning 4.6-hectare site, the museum features eight striking box-shaped Movable Galleries in diverse colors that float elegantly on a shallow basin of water. This unique design has garnered international acclaim, particularly for its vibrant and rare use of color in a museum setting.

Jerome Gouadain, president of the World Prix Versailles Organization, praised the Simose Art Museum's "use of vibrant colors" as "particularly fascinating." Founded by UNESCO headquarters in 2015, the Prix Versailles recognizes outstanding achievements in architecture and design across eight categories, including Airports and Hotels. The addition of a Museums category was introduced in 2024 to mark the award's 10th anniversary.

Other notable nominees included six facilities in China, Egypt, India, the Netherlands, and elsewhere. Shigeru Ban, the mastermind behind the museum's design, expressed his gratitude for being recognized by UNESCO. He credited the innovative use of the environment with his team, taking advantage of the 400-meter-wide site facing the Seto Inland Sea.

Ban stated that he "believe[d] it was recognized" for its Movable Galleries floating on water and other groundbreaking features. The prestigious award is a testament to the Simose Art Museum's commitment to breaking boundaries in architectural design.