Japanese Peace Bell, Buddhist temple bell at United Nations Headquarters, US
Description
The Japanese Peace Bell is a metal bell measuring 60 centimeters across and standing about one meter tall in the Japanese Garden at United Nations Headquarters. It sits beneath a simple wooden roof structure surrounded by a garden of plants and stones that reflects traditional Japanese landscaping.
History
The bell was cast in 1954 when Japanese artist Chiyoji Nakagawa gathered coins from more than 60 countries and nine gold coins from the Pope to create it. This international effort turned it into a symbol of post-war hopes for world peace.
Culture
The bell bears Japanese inscriptions meaning 'may peace prevail on earth' and reflects Buddhist design traditions in its wooden structure. Visitors from around the world come to this spot to express their hopes for a more peaceful future.
Practical
The bell site is freely accessible within the United Nations garden and can be viewed during tours of the headquarters building complex. It is best to visit in the morning when crowds are lighter and the light is better for photographs.
Did you know?
The bell's wooden roof structure contains sand from the atomic blast sites of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, directly linking it to nuclear history and disarmament efforts. This hidden element deepens the memorial's message in a way that inscriptions alone cannot convey.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Manhattan).
Trump World Tower
316 m
Turkish House
222 m
United Nations Secretariat Building
53 m
U Thant Island
427 mFranklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
540 m
Daily News Building
483 m
Dag Hammarskjöld Library
134 m
Ford Foundation Building
283 m
303 East 51st Street
674 m
50 United Nations Plaza
249 m
Lescaze House
612 m
One Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza
489 m
23 Beekman Place
520 m
Beekman Tower
452 m
Turtle Bay Gardens Historic District
566 m
219 East 49th Street
647 m
St. Gabriel's Church
646 m
Edgar J. Kaufmann Conference Center
200 m
P.S. 135
610 mMuseum of the Peaceful Arts
361 m
100 United Nations Plaza Tower
406 m
The Corinthian
522 m
307 East 44th Street
274 m
310 East 44th Street
260 m
Woodstock Tower
314 m
767 Third Avenue
626 m
Windsor Tower
307 m
UN North Delegates Lounge
23 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes