The Simose Art Museum in Otake, Hiroshima Prefecture, has been named the “World’s Most Beautiful Museum” at the 2024 Prix Versailles, UNESCO’s prestigious architecture and design awards. Introduced as a new category this year, the museum beat global competitors, including Oman Across Ages Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum, to claim the top honor at the December 2nd ceremony in Paris.
Designed by Shigeru Ban, the 2014 Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the museum is celebrated for its innovative use of eight movable, glass-paneled galleries arranged on a water basin, allowing dynamic layouts for exhibitions. The structure, situated along the Seto Inland Sea, merges vibrant architectural design with its natural surroundings, offering a seamless integration of art, environment, and function.
The Prix Versailles recognizes exceptional projects that blend innovation, beauty, and sustainability across various categories, from museums to airports and hotels. Jérôme Gouadain, President of the Prix Versailles organization, praised the Simose Art Museum for its use of color and lightness, emphasizing its unique approach to connecting interior and exterior spaces.
Opened in March 2023, the museum has become a destination for art and design enthusiasts worldwide. Its vibrant exhibition spaces and serene Emile Gallé Garden, inspired by Art Nouveau aesthetics, create a multi-dimensional cultural experience, reinforcing its reputation as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.
Courtesy of SIMOSE ART MUSEUM
