Nagasaki A-bomb museum facing leaks, elevator issues 30 years after opening
NAGASAKI -- The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is facing growing maintenance problems including leaks and elevator failures as it marks 30 years since it
Nagasaki's Atomic Bomb Museum is grappling with maintenance issues, including leaks and elevator malfunctions, as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of its opening in 1996. The aging building's distinctive design, emphasizing natural light and greenery, has contributed to the deterioration. The city is preparing to overhaul the exhibits in September, but the building's maintenance has become a significant challenge, given budget constraints.
Leaks were reported in the reception room, director's office, circular pavilion, and Ikoi no Hiroba area in fiscal 2026. Heavy rain in August 2025 caused sediment to overflow, damaging an artifact measuring 146.5 cm in height and 120.5 cm in width, depicting leaf shadows on a scorched wooden wall. In May 2026, an elevator installed in 1997 halted, trapping three people for about 30 minutes before repairs were made.
Another elevator, connecting the area toward Hypocenter Park with the museum side, stopped working multiple times in October 2024 and remained out of service since late November. The city is studying elevator replacements, with about 85 million yen allocated in fiscal 2026 for exterior wall repairs and waterproofing. Despite raising admission fees, the museum remains free for students due to the city's focus on conveying the reality of the 1945 atomic bombing to future generations.
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