[National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba Botanical Garden] Special Collection Exhibition "Primula Variety Exhibition" to be Held and Press Preview Announcement

The National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba Botanical Garden (Director: Tomohisa Yuhi) will hold a special collection exhibition "Primula Variety Exhibition" from Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, April 26. [Detailed URL: https://tbg.kahaku.go.jp/tenji-event/nid00004625.html] Primulas have been loved since ancient times, growing wild in various parts of Japan and heralding the arrival of spring. Based on **just one species of wild type**, diverse horticultural varieties have been created from the Edo period to the present day. This year again, this special exhibition will showcase over 100 horticultural varieties from the collections held by the University of Tsukuba. We will introduce research on wild primroses, the history of primrose cultivation, and the origins and formation of horticultural varieties. Please come and see the essence of Japanese traditional horticulture passed down from the Edo period. ## Special Collection Exhibition "Primula Variety Exhibition" - Event Overview **1. Purpose:** To exhibit horticultural varieties created from Japanese wild primroses, and introduce their history of creation with scientific knowledge, in the atmosphere of traditional horticulture that has continued since the Edo period. **2. Name:** Special Collection Exhibition "Primula Variety Exhibition" **3. Organizer:** National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba Botanical Garden University of Tsukuba, Center for Innovative Plant Function Research **4. Cooperation:** Primula Foster Parent Association, University of Tsukuba NPO Tsukuba Urban Gardening **5. Period:** Saturday, April 18, 2026 to Sunday, April 26, 2026 (Total 8 days) (Closed: Monday, April 20) **6. Venue:** Education Building and its vicinity, Tsukuba Botanical Garden **7. Exhibition Composition** **(1) Venue 1: Education Building** **[Learn about Primulas]** ① What are Primulas? Panel display introducing the history of primrose cultivation, and the origin and formation of horticultural varieties. ② Expert Recommended Primula Varieties (Introduction of recommended varieties by experts) ③ Introducing the Scene of Primula Variety Preservation (Viewing foster parents' homes, introduction of the system) ④ Explanation of Bud Division (Slideshow) ⑤ Quiz Rally (Prize: Sticker) ⑥ Stamp Rally (Prize: Sticker) **[Grow Primulas]** Primulas grown by the University of Tsukuba and the Primula Foster Parent Association will be on sale. You can purchase your favorite one-of-a-kind item. * Sales will end as soon as the day's supply runs out. * There is a purchase limit per person. **(2) Venue 2: Around the Japanese Garden (Vicinity of the Education Building)** ① Primula Flower Beds Exhibited using traditional methods established in the Edo period. ② 6 Primula Display Stands Over 100 varieties constantly on display. **8. Related Events** **① Lecture** ■ Latest Research at the Botanical Garden: "Flower Color Diversity Revealed from Shokoku Kakkosou Genetic Resources" Shokoku Kakkosou is a plant of the genus Primula in the Primulaceae family, native to Shikoku. Ehime University holds a genetic resource collection of Shokoku Kakkosou. This lecture will introduce the variations in flower color discovered through the analysis of these genetic resources. Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 13:30 - 15:00 Venue: Seminar Room, 3rd Floor, Training and Exhibition Hall Capacity: 30 people (Advance reservation required. Applications open one month prior on the Tsukuba Botanical Garden website.) Lecturer: Takayuki Mizuno (Researcher, Tsukuba Botanical Garden) Keywords: National Museum of Nature and Science, Kahaku, Tsukuba Botanical Garden, Science Museum, Plants, Primula, Sakura-so