Mazda to showcase classic cars in renovated Hiroshima museum

The Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, will reopen to the public following a major renovation. 

Dedicated to more than 100 years of Mazda history, the museum has been updated to reflect the company’s new brand image. 

This includes a new monotone colour scheme inside the venue, combined with warm lighting and wood surfaces.

A new online version of the museum has also been launched, aimed at virtual visitors from around the globe.

Rotary legends and more

Mazda has divided the museum, which is attached to its Hiroshima headquarters, into 10 distinct zones. Each has bespoke decor and lighting, designed to match the overall theme of the vehicles on display. 

Exhibits will tell the company’s story, starting with its 1920 founding as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. From a cork-manufacturing outfit, Mazda evolved into producing automatic rickshaws. The R360 of 1960 was its first compact kei car. 

Motorsport success plays a key part in the Mazda story. Vehicles on display include the rotary-powered 787B, known for winning the 1991 Le Mans 24-Hour race. 

Other rotary stars include the RX-7 that claimed third place on the 1985 Acropolis Rally.

Real and virtual visitors welcome

A tour of the Mazda production line is included as part of a museum visit, along with highlights of the current model range. 

Mazda plans to reopen the museum to the public on 23 May 2022, with advance ticket sales available from 16 May.

An online version of the museum will allow more enthusiasts to experience Mazda’s history. Guided virtual tours, including immersive drone footage, will be included, along with content aimed at children. 

Currently only available in Japanese, Mazda plans to add an English-language version of the virtual museum soon.

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