Hiroshima Peace Memorial

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Lore & Background

The A-Bomb Dome is the skeletal ruins of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. It is the building closest to the hypocenter of the nuclear bomb that remained at least partially standing. Many A-Bomb survivors and Hiroshima citizens were pushing for the A-Bomb Dome to be registered as a World Heritage Site as it was 'a symbol of horror and nuclear weapons and humankind's pledge for peace.' This collective petition from many citizens groups was finally given influence when the Japanese government officially recommended the dome to the World Heritage Site committee in December 1995. A marker was placed on the A-Bomb Dome on April 25, 1997, by Hiroshima City. It reads: 'As a historical witness that conveys the tragedy of suffering the first atomic bomb in human history and as a symbol that vows to faithfully seek the abolition of nuclear weapons and everlasting world peace, Genbaku Dome was added to the World Heritage List in accordance with the "Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention)." December 7, 1996, Hiroshima City.'

Reader's Guide

The A-Bomb Dome is situated in a distant ceremonial view that is visible from the Peace Memorial Park's central cenotaph. It was left as it was after the bombing in memory of the casualties. The A-Bomb Dome was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 7, 1996. A marker was placed on the A-Bomb Dome on April 25, 1997, by Hiroshima City. The marker's text explains the Dome's significance as a historical witness and a symbol vowing the abolition of nuclear weapons and everlasting world peace.

Did You Know?

• The A-Bomb Dome is the building closest to the hypocenter of the nuclear bomb that remained at least partially standing.
• It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 7, 1996.
• A marker was placed on the A-Bomb Dome on April 25, 1997, by Hiroshima City.
• Many A-Bomb survivors and Hiroshima citizens pushed for the Dome to be registered as a World Heritage Site as 'a symbol of horror and nuclear weapons and humankind's pledge for peace.'
• The Japanese government officially recommended the dome to the World Heritage Site committee in December 1995.