in detail
At 8:15 a.m., August 6, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima. The city was instantaneously reduced to rubble and hundreds of thousands of precious lives were lost. Most of those who managed to survive suffered irreparable physical and psychological damage; many still suffer the effects today.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was established in August 1955 to convey the facts of the atomic bombing to people around the world and to contribute to the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of lasting world peace.
Each of the items displayed embodies the grief, anger, or pain of real people. It is hoped that all visitors will attain a deeper understanding of the importance of peace between nations.
During the last years nearly a million people from Japan and other countries around the world have come each year to tour the museum.
August 6, 1945
The world's first atomic bomb detonates at approximately 600 meters over downtown Hiroshima; the city is destroyed.
August 6, 1949
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law is promulgated after receiving over 90 percent support in Japan's first public referendum.
September 1949
The A-bomb Reference Material Display Room (A-bomb Memorial Hall) is established in the Hiroshima Central Public Hall. This is the first public display of atomic bomb material.
March 1952
It is decided that under the Hiroshima Peace Memorial City Construction Law, the Peace Memorial Hall, Peace Memorial Museum, City Auditorium, and the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims will be constructed in Peace Memorial Park as a reminder of the past and contribution to preserving peace in the future.
1955
The Peace Memorial Hall and the Peace Memorial Museum opens.
1958
The Hiroshima Restoration Exposition is held in and around the Peace Memorial Museum.
August 1991
To improve the displays, the Peace Memorial Museum is renovated and the exhibits redesigned.
June 1994
Peace Memorial Hall is renovated to improve display and collection functions and to provide more space for peace education. The second floors of Peace Memorial Hall and the Peace Memorial Museum are integrated into the new Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (East Building and Main Building).
The East Building tells the story of Hiroshima before and after the atomic bombing.
The Main Building tells the story of August 6 using photographs, belongings of A-bomb victims, and other artifacts.
Hiroshima, 2004, Atomic Bomb Dome, Thomas Lutz/Topographie des Terrors.
Hiroshima, 2004, Peace Memorial Museum, Thomas Lutz/Topographie des Terrors.
Hiroshima, 2004, Museum exhibition model of the dropping of the Atomic Bomb, Thomas Lutz/Topographie des Terrors.
