This museum was established in 1955 to pass on the horrors of the atomic bomb to the generations in the future, and the architecture was designed by the worldly famous architect, Kenzo Tange.
In the museum are exhibits (videos・photos・models etc.) and belongings left behind by the victims presenting the effects of the atomic bomb visually.
There are some “extreme” (※could make one feel disgusted) exhibits, thus if one has little interest, this is probably not one of the tourist spots for one to visit with a light feeling.
To understand the misery atomic bombs and the folly of wars, it is recommended for one to visit the site, however, one will definitely feel depressed after viewing the exhibits here.
Moreover, there is a “video corner of testimonies by atomic bomb victims” on the third floor of the Eastern Building, and one can view the video footages (※roughly consisting 1000 people) of atomic bomb victims storytelling their experiences.
※The videos have subtitles in some primary languages.
In addition, there are free lectures on the first floor of the Eastern Building (roughly 1 hour long) three times per day (11:00–, 12:30–, 14:00–) by memory keepers who are successors of the atomic bomb survivors and were directly told their experiences, in which the lecture from 14:00 is held in English.
Since it is permitted to enter and leave the room freely, people who have little time are capable of attending to listen to part of the lecture as well.
Many famous visitors have written messages for peace ever since the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was established.
Aside from President Barack Obama and Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) mentioned previously, Ernesto Guevara (1928–1967), Mother Teresa (1910–1997), Dalai Lama the 14th (1935–), as well as multiple leaders of various countries and Nobel Peace Prize Winners have visited the museum.
A replica of the message for peace President Barack Obama sent to Hiroshima City, and the folded paper crane he made himself can be found in the basement floor of the west building.
In addition, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has been always been chosen in the top 3 of the “Top 30 Attractions in Japan by International Travelers” by TripAdvisor every year.
