description Atomic Bomb Dome Overview
The Atomic Bomb Dome is the preserved skeletal remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, located near the hypocenter of the first atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and completed in 1915, the building's steel dome framework survived the blast. In 1996, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site as part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. It stands as a memorial to those killed in the bombing and serves as a symbol advocating for nuclear disarmament.
insights Ranking position
Atomic Bomb Dome ranks #26 of 764 in the Monument ranking, behind St. Basil's Cathedral, ahead of Khajuraho Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.
help Atomic Bomb Dome FAQ
What building was the Atomic Bomb Dome before the 1945 bombing?
Before the bombing, the structure was the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, completed in 1915. It was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel and served as a facility for local exhibitions and events.
Why wasn't the Atomic Bomb Dome completely destroyed by the nuclear explosion?
The building survived relatively intact because the bomb detonated almost directly above it, creating a vertical downward pressure rather than lateral destructive force. It was only about 160 meters from the hypocenter of the blast.
Can you go inside the Atomic Bomb Dome today?
No, the public is not allowed to enter the ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome due to safety and preservation concerns. Visitors can only view the structure from the outside across the Motoyasu River in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
When did the Atomic Bomb Dome become a UNESCO World Heritage site?
The ruin was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. It was added to the list as a stark, permanent reminder of the first atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945.
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