The Hunan Art Museum occupies a modernist building in the northern part of Changsha and maintains a permanent collection of twentieth-century Chinese art with a particular emphasis on Hunanese artists. Qi Baishi, the ink painter born in Xiangtan in 1864 who became one of the most celebrated Chinese artists of the twentieth century, is well represented; works from Hunan's revolutionary period and contemporary Hunanese painters also feature.
The museum also hosts travelling exhibitions — often the best current Chinese contemporary art shows on tour. The permanent collection alone is worth two hours; the exhibitions may add more. Entry is free on certain days (check the website) and costs around ¥30 otherwise. The museum is accessible by metro and is close to Changsha Martyrs Park.