Imagine stepping into a time machine. This time machine is not made of metal and wires. Instead, it’s crafted from the legacy of innovation. You have arrived at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima.
The Mazda Museum is more than just a display of cars. It is a testament to Hiroshima’s resilience and Mazda’s challenger spirit. Founded in Hiroshima in 1920, the Mazda Motor Corporation has deep roots in this city. This museum is a celebration of that bond.
Inside, ten zones await each filled with automotive delights. Zone 1 showcases the Type-TCS. This three-wheeled truck helped rebuild Hiroshima after the Second World War. Nicknamed “Green Panel”, it symbolized peace and safety. The Type-GB on display is its successor.
Zones 2 and 3 display historic vehicles like the Cosmo Sport and Savanna. The Cosmo AP stands out. It dared to be red when high-end cars were black, white, or silver. This bold choice cemented Mazda’s connection to the color red.
The Mazda 787B dominates Zone 4. This car achieved a historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1991, it became the first Japanese car to win. The museum recreates a pit garage, filled with racing memorabilia.
Zone 5 reveals a secret. Mazda’s first and only V12 engine. Developed in the late 1980s, it aimed to power the best car in the world. Though never released, it embodies Mazda’s spirit of innovation.
The Mazda CX-5 takes center stage in Zone 7. Released in 2012, it debuted Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design. Inspired by a cheetah, its sleek design maximizes performance.
Zone 8 displays a crashed Mazda CX-30. This exhibit highlights Mazda’s uncompromising safety standards. Although the front is destroyed, the interior remains intact. In Zone 9, visitors can view the Ujina factory production line. Around 1000 cars are produced here every day. Each car needs 15 hours to be completed.
Looking to the future, Zone 10 presents bold designs. The Mazda Vision Coupe and RX-VISION showcase Mazda’s vision. These concept cars started as clay models, crafted by expert hands. The Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo, a life-size model from the Gran Turismo game, fuses Kodo design with the Le Mans-winning 787B.
A tour through the Mazda Museum takes about 90 minutes. It offers a look into Mazda’s history and technology. The tour passes through an actual assembly line. Here, you can witness cars being built in real time.
Before you leave, visit the gift shop. Here, you can find Mazda goods, as well as items from Hiroshima’s baseball and soccer teams. The Mazda Museum is free. However, reservations are required.
The Mazda Museum is more than just a collection of cars. It is a journey through time, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Hiroshima. As you leave, you carry with you a piece of Mazda’s story. A story of overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams.