The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome or the Genbaku Dome, is a building located in Hiroshima, Japan. It was one of the few structures that remained standing after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and it has since become a symbol of the city's dedication to peace.
Originally, the building was called the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. It was completed in 1915 and served as an exhibition hall and cultural center. On the day of the bombing, the building was located only 160 meters away from the hypocenter of the blast and was completely destroyed except for the steel frame.
In the aftermath of the bombing, the city debated whether to demolish or preserve the remains of the building. Ultimately, it was decided to leave the structure standing as a reminder of the devastation of nuclear war and as a symbol of the city's commitment to peace. The dome was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Today, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which also includes a museum, a cenotaph for the victims of the bombing, and various monuments and sculptures dedicated to peace. The park is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of working towards peace.