Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome

The Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, also known as the Genbaku Dome, is one of the most famous landmarks in Hiroshima, Japan. Before the bombing, it was called the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and was used for exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events. The building had a unique European-style design with a brick structure and a distinctive copper dome, making it stand out in the city’s skyline.

On August 6, 1945, the world’s first atomic bomb used in war exploded almost directly above the building, just 600 meters away. The enormous blast destroyed nearly every structure in the surrounding area, killing tens of thousands of people instantly. While the explosion tore through the Promotion Hall, shattering its windows, burning its interior, and collapsing much of its walls, its central frame and steel dome miraculously remained standing. This was partly because the blast came from almost directly overhead, pushing the force downward rather than from the side.

After the war, the damaged building was left in place. Many people debated whether it should be torn down or preserved, but survivors and citizens pushed for it to remain as a silent witness to the horror of nuclear weapons. Over time, it became a powerful symbol of both the destruction caused by war and the hope for lasting peace.

Today, the Atomic Bomb Dome stands exactly as it did after the bombing, carefully maintained so that future generations can see it. It is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visited by millions of people from around the world each year. In 1996, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site, recognizing it as a universal reminder of the need to eliminate nuclear weapons and prevent such tragedies from happening again.