Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

"Stone from Hiroshima" presented at the Earth and Man Museum in Sofia

The Hiroshima Stone at Sofia's Earth and Man Museum
Photo: BGNES

The National Earth and People Museum in Sofia is marking today the Day of Mercy, established to remind us of the victims of nuclear bombings, terrorism and war. 


Traditionally, on this day, the Giant Crystals Hall displays the Hiroshima Stone. It is a granite piece from the street pavement in the city of Hiroshima, which was located within 200 metres of the epicentre of the nuclear explosion on 6 August 1945, i.e. in the area of greatest damage, where only stones survive. Later, some of these pieces were dismantled and a bas-relief of the Japanese goddess of mercy Kannon was engraved on each one. 

In 1991, on the initiative of the international association "Stone for Peace" and with the support of the inhabitants of the city of Hiroshima these stone pieces were sent to the political leaders of 188 countries around the world as a symbol of hope for peace for all mankind. 

The Bulgarian "Hiroshima Stone" was handed over to the Earth and Man Museum in 1997 with the commitment to commemorate the Day of Mercy in an appropriate way every year. 

At 11:00 a.m. a concert will be held at the museum to mark the anniversary, featuring Japanese flutist Keiko Tanaka and Bulgarian pianist Manuela Manolova. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

51st Sofia International Book Fair opens today

The 51 st Sofia International Book Fair opens today at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The forum, which will be on until 15 December, is organized by the Bulgarian Book association. 160 publishing houses are taking part in the forum..

published on 12/10/24 7:15 AM

Jean-Pierre Martinez: The comic is a way of perceiving a life filled with tragedy

"Through his plays, Jean-Pierre Martinez strives to restore the prestige of comedy as a mirror held out to society" - the playwright's website states. Martinez is the author of 101 comedies performed all over the world, which are studied in French schools..

published on 12/9/24 12:47 PM
Georgi Gospodinov

Georgi Gospodinov is one of 12 international writers invited to join the British Royal Society of Literature

Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov is one of twelve writers from around the world invited to become international members of the British Royal Society of Literature, the organisation announced on its website . The writers were selected by a committee..

published on 12/8/24 5:34 PM