Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum - Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (広島平和記念資料館) is a museum dedicated to preserving the memories of Hiroshima City and also remembering the horrors of using atomic bombs. It is located inside Peace Memorial Park at 1-2 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum details

In the wake of the devastating atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, the city embarked on a journey of remembrance, resilience, and peace-building. The seeds of this endeavor took root in the early 1950s, marking the beginning of the construction of what is now known as the Peace Memorial Exhibition Hall, the cornerstone of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum - Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Fast forward to 1955, a pivotal year in Hiroshima's history, as it saw the promulgation of the "Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Ordinance," laying the legal groundwork for the establishment of a dedicated institution to commemorate the atomic bombing. Just months later, on August 24th, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum opened its doors under the stewardship of its inaugural director, Shogo Nagaoka. Its collection, chronicling the devastation wrought by the atomic bomb, was made possible through the collaboration of citizens and volunteer groups like the Atomic Bomb Materials Collection Support Association.

Prayer Fountain

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum facade

Over the decades, the museum evolved in response to the changing needs of both its infrastructure and its mission. In 1975, faced with aging facilities, the museum underwent its first major renovation, emerging with updated exhibits. Then, in 1991, a second major renovation transformed the museum into a modern facility, incorporating large-scale models and multimedia displays.

広島平和記念資料館

In 1994, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall underwent renovation and was reborn as the "Peace Memorial Museum East Building," enhancing its capacity for exhibition and storage while serving as a hub for peace education. This expansion allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of Hiroshima's history, from its pre-bombing days to its ongoing efforts for peace.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Floor Map

Bust of Shinzo Hamai. He served as mayor of Hiroshima from 1947 to 1955 and then again from 1959 to 1967, held office during the period spanning May 28, 1905, to February 26, 1968.

Pope Peace Appeal Monument

The Global Peace Clock

A significant milestone came in 2006 when the main building received national recognition as a designated important cultural property, underscoring its significance in preserving the memory of the atomic bombing for future generations. Subsequent years saw further developments, including the opening of the "Schmoe House" as an affiliated exhibition facility in 2012.

Displays inside Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall*

* I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

In 2014, both the East Building and Main Building underwent renovation, signaling a commitment to maintaining the museum's relevance and ensuring its continued ability to educate and inspire. By April 2017, the East Building reopened its doors, offering visitors a fresh perspective through exhibits exploring the dangers of nuclear weapons and Hiroshima's storied history.

The iconic picture is of Yukiko Fujii. She survived and was able to have a family

Hiroshima City Peace Declaration

Most recently, in April 2019, the main building welcomed visitors once again, showcasing the stark reality of the atomic bombing and honoring the resilience of its survivors. Divided into thematic zones, the main building provides a poignant narrative of the tragedy of August 6th and the enduring legacy of those who experienced it firsthand.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Victims Memorial Cenotaph

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum as seen from the Peace Memorial Park

As the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and reconciliation in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Team Nicerio visits the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Team Nicerio visits the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

My family and I first visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum last December 26, 2022, during our 3-day Hiroshima Road Trip with our Japanese family. This trip marked my 420th day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET Programme. I wasn’t that familiar with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum as the image of Hiroshima for me would always be the Atomic Bomb Dome. Our friend, Mr. Toshi, told me that it is one of the best places to appreciate the tragic and historic events in Japanese history. That’s why he made sure to include it in our itinerary for the day and I thank him for that. It deepened my understanding of war as when I was growing up playing Counter-Strike and other war-themed video games, I saw war as something fun. After visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, I realized a lot of things. Hence, it was a life-changing experience for me. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Entrance Fee

Admission to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum requires a fee of 200 yen per person for university school students and older, while high school students are charged 100 yen per person. Junior high school students and younger can enter free of charge.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Operating Hours

March - July: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

August - 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed at 9:00 PM on August 5th and 6th)

September - November - 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

December - February - 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

*Please note: Advanced online reservation is mandatory for access to the permanent exhibition room during the following times:

March - July - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

August - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Extended until 8:30 PM on August 5th and 6th)

September - November - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

December - February - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

*Opening hours are subject to change. In such instances, notifications will be posted on the top page.

Closing Days:

December 30th and December 31st (Note: The information room will be closed from December 29th to January 1st)

Exhibition Replacement Period:

February (3 days from mid-February)

Why visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum?

For those seeking a profound understanding and contemplation of the atrocities of war, especially the utilization of atomic weaponry, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an essential destination. With an abundance of meticulously preserved exhibits, it offers a compelling insight into this dark chapter of history.

Getting to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

 

From Hiroshima Station, board the No. 25 Hiroshima Bus and board down at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. From there, you can already see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Just cross the road to reach it. 

Travel time: 17 minutes

Fare: 220 yen

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