Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a prominent structure in Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan. It is a fascinating, historical museum providing documents, exhibits, pictures and belongings from the events of the Second World War. The museum is popular with locals and international visitors with over 50 million people having visited since its opening.
There are two wings within the museum. East Wing is the newest addition. It details the history of the city of Hiroshima before the events overtook the region, and the lives of citizens before, during and after the war. It displays images and reminders with information on world peace for all nations. The West Wing is part of an older museum building, as it exhibits the damage incurred throughout wartime, showcasing personal effects and health topics. Although moving and emotional, the aim of the museum serves to educate and illuminate visitors to facilitate peace for all mankind. Following this experience, step outside into Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where monuments, lakes and sculptures all share the same message. Ring the Peace Bells and listen to their echo throughout the park or head for the Memorial Cenotaph and the Peace Flame which has remained lit since 1964.
Reaching Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum from the city centre is easy. Walk from many of the attractions or hire a bicycle. Another way to travel is by tram, disembark at Fukuromachi or Chuden-Mae for the museum. It’s less than a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, visitors who wish to explore the monuments of the park first can disembark from the tram at Genbaku-Dome-Mae Station.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum opened in 1955 and the main building was designed by renowned architect Kenzō Tange. The museum was renovated and remodelled in 1991 and has since become, along with the Peace Memorial Park one of the most visited areas in Japan. During certain times of the year, the park becomes a kaleidoscope of colour as the cherry blossoms trees bloom along the tranquil walkways.