CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE

OAK RIDGE, TN

International Friendship Bell Oak Ridge, Tennessee

International Friendship Bell 
A Symbol of Peace to a Town Borne of War

At nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide, the 8,300-pound bronze bell symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The concept of the bell came about when Oak Ridge residents Dr. Ram Uppuluri and his wife, Shigeko visited Japan in 1987 After seeing the value of a bonshō bell hanging in Buddhist Gannyu-ji Temple, they launched "Project Peace Bell."

Designed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1991 by Suzanna Harris and cast in Kyoto, Japan, in 1993 by renowned Japanese bell-maker Sotetsu Iwasawa, the relief panels display peaceful images inspired by Tennessee, Japan, as well as tragedies of war between the two nations.

Recognizing the potential significance of the bell, $750,000 in donations was ultimately raised to design, fabricate, deliver, and install the bell, by citizens and foundations in communities in both Japan, and in Oak Ridge.

The bell was not without controversy when it was dedicated in 1996. There were concerns over potential noise from the bell, as well as some interpreting it as an apology for destroying Hiroshima.

Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell in times of celebration and remembrance

"The bell was built to honor the workers of the Manhattan Project, to commemorate the 50th birthday of Oak Ridge, and to become a symbol and everlasting monument for the peace. The bell is for everyone, the young and the old. I feel something very special about this town, the town borne of war living for peace and growing through science." - Shigeko Yoshino Uppulur
International Friendship Bell Credit: rocbolt

The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, located in Oak Ridge Tennessee, is a fun and interactive museum that provides children with a hands-on learning experience. Founded in 2008, the museum’s mission is to foster learning and the creative process through exploration and discovery. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and activities for children of all ages.

The museum is divided into four main areas: Nature, Science, Art, and Music. Each area offers multiple interactive exhibits and activities. The Nature area includes a replica of an old-fashioned general store, a rock-climbing wall, and an animal habitat. The Science area includes a beehive, a chemistry lab, and a planetarium. The Art area includes a pottery wheel and a painting studio. The Music area offers a variety of instruments, a sound booth, and a recording studio.

The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge also offers a wide range of educational programs and workshops. Programs include Art Exploration, Science Explorers, and Music Makers. The museum also hosts special events such as Science Saturdays and Nature Nights. The museum also offers a variety of classes and camps throughout the year.

The museum is open seven days a week and admission is free. The museum also offers a variety of memberships and discounts for groups and schools. The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is a great place for children to explore, learn, and have fun.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE is a Uncategorized or General Museum in OAK RIDGE TN. US MID #8404700097

The museum is classed as GMU (Uncategorized or General Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Southeastern (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia).

Contact CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE
461 W OUTER DR
OAK RIDGE
TN
37830

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CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE Information

MID # 8404700097
Name CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF OAK RIDGE
Alternate Name
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 36.023591, -84.271483
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 001
US Census Tract: 020500
US Census Block: 2000