The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) will host a special exhibition, "The Great Antarctic Exhibition," from July 1st (Wed) to September 27th (Sun), 2026. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's Antarctic research program, which began in 1956, the exhibition will explore the research activities and challenges in the unknown, extreme land of Antarctica.
Antarctic research vessel "Shirase" © Asahi Shimbun Company
This exhibition allows visitors to become a member of the "Special Antarctic Research Expedition" and to not only "see and learn" about the diverse missions carried out by Japan's Antarctic research expedition, but also to "understand through experience."
An area where you can observe things in 3D through an observation dome. *Image is for illustrative purposes only.
Area where you can experience a blizzard. *Image is for illustrative purposes only.
At the venue, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including areas where they can touch "real ice" collected in Antarctica and "real Antarctic meteorites" found there, an area where they can experience a blizzard, an area where they can observe the ecology of penguins and seals living in the harsh Antarctic environment in three dimensions through specimen displays and observation domes, and an area introducing the base's facilities, meals, and other aspects of daily life.
Meals at Showa Station in Antarctica © Tokyo University of Agriculture Museum of Food and Agriculture
An area bathed in the light of the aurora borealis. *Image is for illustrative purposes only.
Finally, at the end of the exhibition area, a special "way home" awaits, where you walk while enveloped in the light of the aurora borealis spreading across the entire sky. In this fantastical space, as if you have the polar night of Antarctica all to yourself, a dramatic presentation of images and light beautifully concludes the lingering impression of your Antarctic observation experience.
Why not experience "Antarctica" in Tokyo this summer?
◆Special Exhibition “Great Antarctic Exhibition”
[Period] July 1st (Wednesday) - September 27th (Sunday), 2026
[Venue] National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), 1st Floor, Special Exhibition Zone (2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
[Opening Hours] 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
【休館日】7月7日(火)、7月14日(火)、9月1日(火)、9月8日(火)、9月15日(火)
*Please check the official website for details.
