Inside Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this underground memorial honours people who died in the 1945 atomic bombing. Its focus is on individual lives: you can explore victims’ names and photographs, read memoirs and watch survivor testimonies. The circular Hall of Remembrance holds a panoramic view of the devastated city, formed from 140,000 tiles representing those who died by the end of 1945. Designed by Kenzo Tange, the quiet space invites visitors to pause and reflect alongside a visit to the nearby Peace Memorial Museum.
A memorial focused on individual lives
The Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Established by the Japanese government in 2002, it commemorates those who died in the atomic bombing and preserves personal memories for future generations.
The Hall’s purpose is distinct from that of the nearby Peace Memorial Museum. Here, the emphasis is on the people who died and the lives and experiences recorded by survivors and their families. Memoirs, photographs and video testimonies give visitors ways to encounter those personal histories. The collection also includes records and materials related to the bombing.
The Hall of Remembrance
The central circular chamber presents a 360-degree view of Hiroshima as it appeared after the bombing. The panorama is made from 140,000 tiles, representing the estimated number of people who had died by the end of 1945. Survivor sketches helped inform the reconstruction of the destroyed cityscape.
A water feature at the centre honours people who died calling for water. The chamber’s circular design and subdued underground setting support a quiet visit. Moving through the hall, you can pause with the panorama before turning to the personal records and testimonies.
Exploring the displays
Digital archives let visitors search names and photographs of people who died in the bombing. Memoirs and video accounts add personal detail to the historical record. Set aside time to read and watch rather than treating the hall as a quick stop; the material is intended for reflection.
The memorial is within the Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum is nearby. Visiting the museum first can provide context for the Hall’s focus on individual memories. The Hall is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has wheelchair-accessible entrances, lifts and restrooms.
FAQ
How long should I allow for the memorial hall?
Allow about an hour to explore the displays, read memoirs and watch survivor testimonies.
What can you see inside the Hall of Remembrance?
The circular chamber has a 360-degree panorama of Hiroshima after the bombing, made from 140,000 tiles, with a water feature at its centre.
Is the memorial hall near the Peace Memorial Museum?
Yes. It is within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, near the Peace Memorial Museum. Visiting the museum first can provide context for the Hall’s focus on personal memories.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue has wheelchair-accessible entrances, lifts and restrooms.
