Smithsonian Remains Silent on 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings

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The Smithsonian Institution has come under scrutiny for its decision not to publicly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. While other international institutions held memorial events and issued statements marking the historic and tragic milestone, the Smithsonian remained notably quiet.

Despite having long served as a steward of national memory, the museum declined to release any public message or organize dedicated programming tied to the August 6 and 9 anniversaries. The absence has drawn criticism from historians, remembrance advocates, and atomic bomb survivors, many of whom hoped for visible engagement from the institution as the hibakusha generation continues to dwindle.

On the other hand, the National Air and Space Museum does feature exhibits that include photographs and historical artifacts related to the atomic bombings, such as a model of the “Little Boy” bomb and images of the destruction in Hiroshima. However, there is no indication that the museum hosted commemorative events or expanded educational outreach to coincide with the anniversary week.

Survivors and their families, many now taking on the role of preserving testimony, expressed disappointment. With most hibakusha (the Japanese term used to describe people affected by the atomic bombings) now in their 80s and fewer than 100,000 alive today, advocates stress the importance of using milestone anniversaries to elevate their stories and underscore the global significance of the nuclear age.

The Smithsonian’s silence recalls past controversies, including the 1995 debate over the display of the B-29 Enola Gay. That exhibit, once planned to explore the human cost of the bombings, was scaled back following political backlash. Critics say the institution’s cautious approach has once again led to a missed opportunity for meaningful public dialogue.