A 1927 School Auditorium in Hiroshima
The Auditorium of Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School (Former Hiroshima High School Auditorium) (広島大学附属中・高等学校講堂（旧制広島高等学校講堂）) is a two-storey reinforced-concrete hall at Midori, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, built in 1927 as the auditorium of the prewar Hiroshima High School, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on September 2, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records two storeys of reinforced concrete with a building area of 507 square metres, registration number 34-0016, owned by Hiroshima University.
From Higher School to University School
According to the school, the auditorium was completed in 1927 for the Hiroshima High School, opened in 1924. The figure 2587 carved in the entrance floor gives the completion year in the imperial calendar.
When Hiroshima University was founded in 1949, the old high school became its Minami branch, and university classes were held in the auditorium. In 1961 an exchange of sites brought the junior and senior high school here. In 1994 Hiroshima City designated it an A-bombed building (Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School).
Value as a Registered Cultural Property
The Auditorium of Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School (Former Hiroshima High School Auditorium) was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that its design is a simplified version of historical styles, but carefully made and technically noteworthy.
What to Look For
The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes a carriage porch at the front, stone-like walls with pilasters rising through both storeys, and decorative tiles at the eaves.
The school describes Romanesque Revival elements: buttress-like walls reaching the upper floor, an arched front door, and columns and stair rails finished in shaded grey plaster to resemble stone.
Visiting
The hall is still used for school events and is loved as the school's symbol (Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School). As a working school building, contact the school (082-251-0192) before visiting the auditorium.
The address is 1-1-1 Midori, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1927, as the auditorium of the prewar Hiroshima High School (Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School).
- What does "2587" at the entrance mean?
- The completion year in the imperial calendar (Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School).
- What style is it?
- Romanesque Revival elements, with grey plaster finished to look like stone (the school, Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Is it an A-bombed building?
- Yes, Hiroshima City designated it as one in 1994 (Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School).
- When was the auditorium registered?
- On September 2, 1998.
Basic Information
| Name | Auditorium of Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School (Former Hiroshima High School Auditorium) (広島大学附属中・高等学校講堂) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1-1 Midori, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/09/02 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, 2 storeys, building area 507 square metres |
| Owner | Hiroshima University |
| Public Access | School building; contact the school about visits |
References
- Auditorium of Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School (Former Hiroshima High School Auditorium) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000707
- Auditorium (Hiroshima University Junior and Senior High School)
- https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/fu_midori/about/auditorium
Last verified: 2026.10.11