The Genbaku Dome (原爆ドーム), also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, is one of Hiroshima’s most iconic landmarks and a powerful symbol of peace. It is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Significance: Preserved ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was near ground zero of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945.
Built in 1915 as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. The building was used for exhibitions and government functions.
Atomic Bombing:
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima. The building was only about 160 meters from the hypocenter and was heavily damaged but not completely destroyed due to the downward blast force.
The skeletal remains of the dome survived, becoming a symbol of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons.
Preservation:
Efforts to preserve the ruins began shortly after the war. In 1996, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a reminder of the horrors of war and a call for peace.
The structure features exposed steel and crumbling brick walls, showcasing the destructive power of the atomic bomb.
The iconic dome’s steel framework remains intact, symbolizing resilience and remembrance.
Peace Memorial Park:
The Genbaku Dome is part of the larger Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the Peace Memorial Museum, Children’s Peace Monument, and the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims.
Symbol of Peace:
The site is a global symbol advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons and world peace.