Details Finalized for "The Great Antarctic Exhibition," a Special Exhibition Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Antarctic Observation
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and its partners have announced the details for "The Great Antarctic Exhibition," running from July 1 to September 27, 2026. Commemorating 70 years of Japanese Antarctic observation, the exhibition offers an experiential journey where visitors can touch real Antarctic ice and meteorites, experience a simulated blizzard, and learn about cutting-edge polar research. The event aims to provide a hands-on understanding of climate change research and the significance of Antarctic observation through interactive displays and rare artifacts.
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Key visual for the special exhibition "The Great Antarctic Exhibition"
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan; Director: Chieko Asakawa), the National Institute of Polar Research, Dream Studio, TV Asahi, and The Asahi Shimbun are pleased to announce the finalized details for the special exhibition "The Great Antarctic Exhibition," to be held from Wednesday, July 1, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Antarctica is a place where the effects of human activity on the atmosphere and environment are minimal, allowing us to directly understand the current state of the Earth. The observations Japan has conducted in Antarctica for 70 years have greatly contributed to elucidating climate change and predicting the future. This exhibition is not just about "seeing and learning" from these achievements, but about "understanding through experience."
### Exhibit Details
**Touch Real Antarctic Ice**
You can actually touch "real ice" collected from Antarctica. The wondrous feeling of touching snow that fell thousands or even tens of thousands of years ago is an experience you can't get anywhere else. While feeling the coldness in your hands, you can closely observe its transparency and the pattern of fine air bubbles within.
*Image is a concept of the experience area where you can touch real Antarctic ice.*
**Observe a Deep Ice Core Up Close**
This is a special exhibit where you can observe an ice core, collected from the deep layers of the Antarctic ice sheet, up close. Ice cores are precious samples stored under strict conditions in the low-temperature rooms of the National Institute of Polar Research, and their public display is extremely rare. Trapped within the transparent ice are traces of environmental changes from the time the snow accumulated (tens of thousands of years ago), such as the air, temperature, and precipitation, making it a "time capsule" for deciphering Earth's climate change. This exhibit will also display the drill actually used for ice core excavation. It's a must-see area for science fans to truly feel the significance and dynamism of Antarctic observation.
*Ice cores stored in a low-temperature room © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Experience a Blizzard!**
An Antarctic blizzard is a unique polar weather phenomenon where strong winds and blowing snow rapidly obscure visibility. Because surface snow is kicked up, the surroundings can turn completely white even if it's not snowing, creating a state near a "whiteout" where even close-by markers become invisible. Blizzards are classified as A, B, or C depending on wind speed and visibility impairment, and strong blizzards are so dangerous that they force observation teams to halt their activities. The practice of following ropes between buildings in Antarctica is a measure to ensure safety in this poor visibility. In this exhibition, to allow for a safe experience of this harsh nature, the strong winds and poor visibility are recreated separately. It's a unique opportunity, exclusive to this exhibition, to understand firsthand the environment in which the observation teams continue their research.
*Image is a concept of the area where you can experience an Antarctic blizzard.*
**Touch and Hold a Real Meteorite!**
This exhibit features real Antarctic meteorites found in what is called the "sacred place for meteorite collection." In Antarctica, dark meteorites are easy to spot on the white ice, and they are gathered in one place over many years by the movement of glaciers. This has led to the astonishing figure that about 60% of all meteorites registered with the International Meteoritical Society have been collected in Antarctica. Japanese observation teams have collected approximately 17,400 meteorites since 1969. This exhibit will display over 30 carefully selected real samples from that collection. There will be iron meteorites you can touch and hold, as well as rare meteorites thought to have come from the Moon and Mars. Furthermore, the actual "touchable Mars meteorite (slice)," which was a hot topic at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, will also be on display. It's an area that stimulates intellectual curiosity, connecting Antarctica and space.
*Iron meteorite collected in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Learn About Antarctic Wildlife**
This is an area where you can observe the ecology of penguins and seals living in the harsh Antarctic environment in three dimensions through specimen displays and an observation dome. Also introduced is the "Penguin Census," a long-term survey that records the number of penguins at their nesting sites each year to track changes in breeding and population. This is an important monitoring activity actually carried out by the observation team and provides clues to the "present" state of the Antarctic ecosystem. In this area, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of these creatures by experiencing the survey method.
*Image is a concept of the observation dome where you can see specimen displays up close.*
**Decipher the Mysteries of the Antarctic Land**
Antarctic rocks hold evidence from hundreds of millions of years ago when Antarctica, along with Africa, South America, Australia, and India, formed the supercontinent "Gondwana." This area allows you to enjoyably decipher the mysteries of Earth's history as told by the Antarctic land, by engaging with the history of continental drift and research through collected rocks and fossils, as well as the tools used in surveys. You can experience the weight of rocks carried during surveys and observe rock samples.
*Geological survey in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Tracking Changes in the Antarctic Ocean**
Introducing the latest research tracking changes in the Antarctic Ocean. A model of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) "MONACA" and a full array of moored observation systems will be on display, delving into the secrets of the seabed and ice sheets. A mini-experience where you can search for the moored systems floating among the waves with binoculars gives you a taste of a researcher's moment of discovery.
*Oceanographic survey in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Atmosphere Observation Area**
Radiosonde balloons and observation equipment used to study the Antarctic sky will be on display. You can learn "how to read" the ozone hole and climate change from the sky.
**Aurora Observation Area**
Powerful aurora footage filmed at Showa Station will be shown. You can have fun learning how the curtain of light is created and the connection between space and Earth.
*Atmospheric survey in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Showa Station Area**
This area introduces the life of the observation team living in the harsh environment of Antarctica. You can understand their life, full of various innovations in base facilities and meals, and feel a closer connection to the idea of "working in the polar regions."
**Mission Sheet**
At the entrance of the exhibition, you will be given a "Mission Sheet." The exhibit is structured for participation, allowing you to enjoy it proactively by going through the venue and challenging missions related to Antarctic observation and research. Upon completing the missions, you will be certified as a "Special Antarctic Observation Team Member" of this exhibition.
*Sample of a meal served at Showa Station © Tokyo University of Agriculture "Museum of Food and Agriculture"*
**At the End of the Observation Experience**
At the end of the exhibit area, a special "return path" awaits, where you walk while enveloped in the light of an aurora spreading across the ceiling. The shimmering green curtain illuminates the path, creating a fantastical space as if you have the polar night of Antarctica all to yourself. This dramatic presentation of video and light provides a beautiful, lingering conclusion to your Antarctic observation experience.
*Image is a concept of the area where you walk enveloped in aurora light.*
### Special Project
**A Gift of Real Antarctic Ice!**
Get your hands on a "record of the Earth" that has been sleeping in Antarctica for thousands of years. A gift of real Antarctic ice will be given to visitors whose cumulative entry number's last three digits are 777 (e.g., 1,777th, 20,777th). When you float the ice in water, the air trapped for long years will quietly rise, and a "crackling" sound will gently inform you of the time that has accumulated in Antarctica.
*Antarctic ice © National Institute of Polar Research. *Image is a concept.*
*The method for determining the recipients may be subject to change. In that case, an announcement will be made on our official X account.*
### Advance Ticket Information
**Advance Tickets on Sale from Wednesday, April 15**
Discounted advance tickets will go on sale from 13:00 on Wednesday, April 15.
*Details about tickets with merchandise will be announced at a later date.*
| Ticket Type | Advance Ticket (tax incl.) | Same-Day Ticket (tax incl.) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Adult (19+) | 1,800 JPY | 2,000 JPY |
| 18 & Under (Elementary school+) | 1,100 JPY | 1,300 JPY |
| Preschooler (3+) | 700 JPY | 900 JPY |
*Free for children 2 and under.
*Advance ticket sales period: April 15 (Wed) 13:00 - June 30 (Tue) 23:59.
*Visitors with a disability certificate, beneficiary certificate, etc., and one accompanying person are admitted free of charge. You may be asked to present your certificate.
*Visitors aged 18 or under may be asked to present proof of age upon entry.
*Admission to the permanent exhibition of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is also included. The Dome Theater requires a separate fee (reservation required).
*Please check the official exhibition website for the latest information.*
*The glow of the aurora over Showa Station, Antarctica © The Asahi Shimbun*
### Exhibition Outline
| | |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Exhibition Name** | Special Exhibition "The Great Antarctic Exhibition" |
| **Dates** | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| **Venue** | National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), 1F Exhibition Zone (2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo) |
| **Hours** | 10:00-17:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing) |
| **Closed** | July 7 (Tue), July 14 (Tue), September 1 (Tue), September 8 (Tue), September 15 (Tue) |
| **Admission (tax incl.)** | Adult (19+): 2,000 JPY (1,800 JPY), 18 & Under (Elementary+): 1,300 JPY (1,100 JPY), Preschooler (3+): 900 JPY (700 JPY) *Free for 2 and under. *() indicates advance ticket price. |
| **Inquiries** | The Great Antarctic Exhibition Office TEL 03-6820-4071 (Weekdays 10:00-18:00; From July 1, 10:00-18:00 on opening days) |
| **Official Website** | https://dainankyokuten.jp/ |
| **Organizers** | National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, National Institute of Polar Research, Dream Studio, TV Asahi, The Asahi Shimbun |
| **Planning and Production** | Dream Studio |
| **Special Sponsor** | KDDI |
| **Sponsors** | Sanki Engineering, Misawa Homes, Yanmar Holdings, Rengo Co., Ltd., Tokyo University of Agriculture |
| **Support** | Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of the Environment; Ministry of Defense; Japan Meteorological Agency; Japan Coast Guard; Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; National Institute of Information and Communications Technology; Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education; Tachikawa City Board of Education; Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit; Yurikamome |
| **Cooperation** | Tokyu Railways |
**National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)**
2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
TEL: 03-3570-9151 FAX: 03-3570-9150
URL: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan; Director: Chieko Asakawa), the National Institute of Polar Research, Dream Studio, TV Asahi, and The Asahi Shimbun are pleased to announce the finalized details for the special exhibition "The Great Antarctic Exhibition," to be held from Wednesday, July 1, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Antarctica is a place where the effects of human activity on the atmosphere and environment are minimal, allowing us to directly understand the current state of the Earth. The observations Japan has conducted in Antarctica for 70 years have greatly contributed to elucidating climate change and predicting the future. This exhibition is not just about "seeing and learning" from these achievements, but about "understanding through experience."
### Exhibit Details
**Touch Real Antarctic Ice**
You can actually touch "real ice" collected from Antarctica. The wondrous feeling of touching snow that fell thousands or even tens of thousands of years ago is an experience you can't get anywhere else. While feeling the coldness in your hands, you can closely observe its transparency and the pattern of fine air bubbles within.
*Image is a concept of the experience area where you can touch real Antarctic ice.*
**Observe a Deep Ice Core Up Close**
This is a special exhibit where you can observe an ice core, collected from the deep layers of the Antarctic ice sheet, up close. Ice cores are precious samples stored under strict conditions in the low-temperature rooms of the National Institute of Polar Research, and their public display is extremely rare. Trapped within the transparent ice are traces of environmental changes from the time the snow accumulated (tens of thousands of years ago), such as the air, temperature, and precipitation, making it a "time capsule" for deciphering Earth's climate change. This exhibit will also display the drill actually used for ice core excavation. It's a must-see area for science fans to truly feel the significance and dynamism of Antarctic observation.
*Ice cores stored in a low-temperature room © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Experience a Blizzard!**
An Antarctic blizzard is a unique polar weather phenomenon where strong winds and blowing snow rapidly obscure visibility. Because surface snow is kicked up, the surroundings can turn completely white even if it's not snowing, creating a state near a "whiteout" where even close-by markers become invisible. Blizzards are classified as A, B, or C depending on wind speed and visibility impairment, and strong blizzards are so dangerous that they force observation teams to halt their activities. The practice of following ropes between buildings in Antarctica is a measure to ensure safety in this poor visibility. In this exhibition, to allow for a safe experience of this harsh nature, the strong winds and poor visibility are recreated separately. It's a unique opportunity, exclusive to this exhibition, to understand firsthand the environment in which the observation teams continue their research.
*Image is a concept of the area where you can experience an Antarctic blizzard.*
**Touch and Hold a Real Meteorite!**
This exhibit features real Antarctic meteorites found in what is called the "sacred place for meteorite collection." In Antarctica, dark meteorites are easy to spot on the white ice, and they are gathered in one place over many years by the movement of glaciers. This has led to the astonishing figure that about 60% of all meteorites registered with the International Meteoritical Society have been collected in Antarctica. Japanese observation teams have collected approximately 17,400 meteorites since 1969. This exhibit will display over 30 carefully selected real samples from that collection. There will be iron meteorites you can touch and hold, as well as rare meteorites thought to have come from the Moon and Mars. Furthermore, the actual "touchable Mars meteorite (slice)," which was a hot topic at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, will also be on display. It's an area that stimulates intellectual curiosity, connecting Antarctica and space.
*Iron meteorite collected in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Learn About Antarctic Wildlife**
This is an area where you can observe the ecology of penguins and seals living in the harsh Antarctic environment in three dimensions through specimen displays and an observation dome. Also introduced is the "Penguin Census," a long-term survey that records the number of penguins at their nesting sites each year to track changes in breeding and population. This is an important monitoring activity actually carried out by the observation team and provides clues to the "present" state of the Antarctic ecosystem. In this area, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of these creatures by experiencing the survey method.
*Image is a concept of the observation dome where you can see specimen displays up close.*
**Decipher the Mysteries of the Antarctic Land**
Antarctic rocks hold evidence from hundreds of millions of years ago when Antarctica, along with Africa, South America, Australia, and India, formed the supercontinent "Gondwana." This area allows you to enjoyably decipher the mysteries of Earth's history as told by the Antarctic land, by engaging with the history of continental drift and research through collected rocks and fossils, as well as the tools used in surveys. You can experience the weight of rocks carried during surveys and observe rock samples.
*Geological survey in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Tracking Changes in the Antarctic Ocean**
Introducing the latest research tracking changes in the Antarctic Ocean. A model of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) "MONACA" and a full array of moored observation systems will be on display, delving into the secrets of the seabed and ice sheets. A mini-experience where you can search for the moored systems floating among the waves with binoculars gives you a taste of a researcher's moment of discovery.
*Oceanographic survey in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Atmosphere Observation Area**
Radiosonde balloons and observation equipment used to study the Antarctic sky will be on display. You can learn "how to read" the ozone hole and climate change from the sky.
**Aurora Observation Area**
Powerful aurora footage filmed at Showa Station will be shown. You can have fun learning how the curtain of light is created and the connection between space and Earth.
*Atmospheric survey in Antarctica © National Institute of Polar Research*
**Showa Station Area**
This area introduces the life of the observation team living in the harsh environment of Antarctica. You can understand their life, full of various innovations in base facilities and meals, and feel a closer connection to the idea of "working in the polar regions."
**Mission Sheet**
At the entrance of the exhibition, you will be given a "Mission Sheet." The exhibit is structured for participation, allowing you to enjoy it proactively by going through the venue and challenging missions related to Antarctic observation and research. Upon completing the missions, you will be certified as a "Special Antarctic Observation Team Member" of this exhibition.
*Sample of a meal served at Showa Station © Tokyo University of Agriculture "Museum of Food and Agriculture"*
**At the End of the Observation Experience**
At the end of the exhibit area, a special "return path" awaits, where you walk while enveloped in the light of an aurora spreading across the ceiling. The shimmering green curtain illuminates the path, creating a fantastical space as if you have the polar night of Antarctica all to yourself. This dramatic presentation of video and light provides a beautiful, lingering conclusion to your Antarctic observation experience.
*Image is a concept of the area where you walk enveloped in aurora light.*
### Special Project
**A Gift of Real Antarctic Ice!**
Get your hands on a "record of the Earth" that has been sleeping in Antarctica for thousands of years. A gift of real Antarctic ice will be given to visitors whose cumulative entry number's last three digits are 777 (e.g., 1,777th, 20,777th). When you float the ice in water, the air trapped for long years will quietly rise, and a "crackling" sound will gently inform you of the time that has accumulated in Antarctica.
*Antarctic ice © National Institute of Polar Research. *Image is a concept.*
*The method for determining the recipients may be subject to change. In that case, an announcement will be made on our official X account.*
### Advance Ticket Information
**Advance Tickets on Sale from Wednesday, April 15**
Discounted advance tickets will go on sale from 13:00 on Wednesday, April 15.
*Details about tickets with merchandise will be announced at a later date.*
| Ticket Type | Advance Ticket (tax incl.) | Same-Day Ticket (tax incl.) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Adult (19+) | 1,800 JPY | 2,000 JPY |
| 18 & Under (Elementary school+) | 1,100 JPY | 1,300 JPY |
| Preschooler (3+) | 700 JPY | 900 JPY |
*Free for children 2 and under.
*Advance ticket sales period: April 15 (Wed) 13:00 - June 30 (Tue) 23:59.
*Visitors with a disability certificate, beneficiary certificate, etc., and one accompanying person are admitted free of charge. You may be asked to present your certificate.
*Visitors aged 18 or under may be asked to present proof of age upon entry.
*Admission to the permanent exhibition of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is also included. The Dome Theater requires a separate fee (reservation required).
*Please check the official exhibition website for the latest information.*
*The glow of the aurora over Showa Station, Antarctica © The Asahi Shimbun*
### Exhibition Outline
| | |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Exhibition Name** | Special Exhibition "The Great Antarctic Exhibition" |
| **Dates** | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| **Venue** | National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), 1F Exhibition Zone (2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo) |
| **Hours** | 10:00-17:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing) |
| **Closed** | July 7 (Tue), July 14 (Tue), September 1 (Tue), September 8 (Tue), September 15 (Tue) |
| **Admission (tax incl.)** | Adult (19+): 2,000 JPY (1,800 JPY), 18 & Under (Elementary+): 1,300 JPY (1,100 JPY), Preschooler (3+): 900 JPY (700 JPY) *Free for 2 and under. *() indicates advance ticket price. |
| **Inquiries** | The Great Antarctic Exhibition Office TEL 03-6820-4071 (Weekdays 10:00-18:00; From July 1, 10:00-18:00 on opening days) |
| **Official Website** | https://dainankyokuten.jp/ |
| **Organizers** | National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, National Institute of Polar Research, Dream Studio, TV Asahi, The Asahi Shimbun |
| **Planning and Production** | Dream Studio |
| **Special Sponsor** | KDDI |
| **Sponsors** | Sanki Engineering, Misawa Homes, Yanmar Holdings, Rengo Co., Ltd., Tokyo University of Agriculture |
| **Support** | Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of the Environment; Ministry of Defense; Japan Meteorological Agency; Japan Coast Guard; Geospatial Information Authority of Japan; National Institute of Information and Communications Technology; Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education; Tachikawa City Board of Education; Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit; Yurikamome |
| **Cooperation** | Tokyu Railways |
**National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)**
2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
TEL: 03-3570-9151 FAX: 03-3570-9150
URL: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/