National Museum of Nature and Science, Science museum in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan
The National Museum of Nature and Science is a natural history and technology museum in Ueno Park displaying more than 25,000 exhibits from dinosaur fossils to space technology. The complex consists of the older Japan Gallery with traditional architecture and the modern Global Gallery, recognizable by its curved shape and large glass surfaces.
The institution was founded in October 1871 as part of Japan's early modernization and was initially housed in the Yushima Seido building. After several relocations and name changes, the institution received its current location and name and grew into a center for scientific research and education.
The Japanese name Kahaku comes from the first syllables of the official title and is commonly used by visitors. The large collection of natural specimens shows species from different climate zones across Japan and gives an impression of how science and nature observation developed in this country.
The site opens Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free for students and seniors over 65. The two building sections are connected by an underground passage, allowing visitors to move between exhibitions without going outside in bad weather.
Theater 360 shows films in a spherical room where viewers stand on a bridge inside the dome while images surround them from all sides. The projection spans 12.8 meters (42 feet) and creates the feeling of floating inside the image space.
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