Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome)
Chugoku Region
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and now commonly called the Atomic Bomb Dome or Genbaku Dome, is a preserved ruin located in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan. Designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in 1915, the building was used for art and educational exhibitions. On August 6, 1945, it was almost directly beneath the atomic bomb's hypocenter, surviving the blast due to its earthquake-resistant design and vertical columns that withstood the downward force. The structure was left as a skeleton with its dome framework exposed, becoming the only building near the bomb's epicenter to remain standing. Initially scheduled for demolition, it was preserved after local debate as a memorial to the over 140,000 victims of the bombing and a symbol of peace. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Preservation efforts have maintained the building's stability with minimal alteration, including internal metal framing. It serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of nuclear warfare and a focal point for peace advocacy, visited by global leaders including former U.S. President Barack Obama and the G7 summit leaders.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the surrounding Peace Memorial Park is most scenic. It is recommended to purchase tickets for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in advance to avoid queues. Visitors should allocate time to explore the entire Peace Memorial Park, which includes various monuments and museums related to the atomic bombing. There are discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. The site is accessible via Hiroshima Electric Railway and local buses, with clear signage in multiple languages.
Interesting facts
- •The Atomic Bomb Dome is the only structure near the bomb's hypocenter that survived the blast in a recognizable form.
- •Its dome framework is exposed metal, which became a symbol of the destructive power of nuclear weapons.
- •Barack Obama was the first sitting U.S. president to visit the memorial in 2016.
- •The building was originally designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in 1915.
- •The bomb exploded approximately 150 meters horizontally and 600 meters vertically from the Dome, which contributed to its survival.
History
The building was completed in 1915 as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, designed by Jan Letzel.
On August 6, 1945, the atomic bomb exploded almost directly above it, killing all inside but leaving the structure standing due to its strong design.
Post-war, plans to demolish the building were met with opposition, leading to its preservation as a memorial.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established around it between 1950 and 1964.
In 1966, the city council resolved to preserve it permanently.
The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Preservation work has been carried out periodically to maintain structural stability while keeping the ruin's original state intact.
Place Guide
Main Ruin of Atomic Bomb Dome1915
The skeletal remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, showing exposed steel dome framework and preserved outer walls. It stands as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the atomic bombing's devastation.
Peace Memorial Park Surroundings
The park area surrounding the Dome includes various monuments, museums, and memorials dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing and the promotion of peace.
Contact
Phone: 082-504-2898