The Centre Pompidou in Paris is one of the world's most important bases for the modern arts, housing a major public library, a music research center and the National Museum of Modern Art — the largest museum of its kind in Europe.

Since 2002, "Friends" of the museum — art collectors and art lovers — have helped advise and finance additions to the museum's collection through The Project of Contemporary Art, resulting in a large number of new works by rising artists. "Fruits of Passion" offers visitors the opportunity to see some of these acquisitions, and provides an overview of the current international art scene; Jan. 18-March 23.

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art; 1-1-1 Wakihama Kaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo. Iwaya Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.). ¥1,300. Closed Mon. 078-262-0901; www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng