“Curious about space?” That’s the question the Fukuoka City Science Museum answers. The museum opened its doors on October 1. It stands proudly on the site of Kyushu University’s old Ropponmatsu Campus.
Many locals fondly remember its predecessor. This was the Fukuoka City Children’s Science and Culture Center in Maizuru. The old center closed due to the building’s age. The Fukuoka City Science Museum boasts all-new displays and content. Its planetarium measures 25 meters in diameter. This makes it one of the largest in Kyushu.
The planetarium’s ultra-high-resolution projector recreates the night sky. It aims for maximum realism. 3-D digital surround sound brings the experience to life. Prepare to be transported to the cosmos.
The Fukuoka City Science Museum features permanent exhibits. These displays cover four fascinating areas. They include Outer Space, The Environment, Science in Our Daily Life and Life itself. Hands-on exhibits abound. You can even see a robot arm once used on the International Space Station.
Robosquare has also relocated to the Science Museum. It was formerly in Momochihama. Robosquare offered popular robot workshops for children. It now provides even more options.
Live, large-scale experiments take place on the Science Show Stage. Visitors can also try science-themed crafts and computer programming in an open lab. A special lab allows you to observe researchers. These creators conduct research and development before your eyes.
Koichi Wakata serves as the museum’s honorary director. He is a Kyushu University graduate and astronaut. He holds the record for the longest time spent in space by a Japanese person. “The People of Outer Space” is a special exhibit. It commemorates the museum’s opening. It showcases Mr. Wakata’s experiences in space.
The Fukuoka City Science Museum also has a free zone. Here you can enjoy the Collaboration Square. You can also visit the Koichi Wakata Honorary Director’s Corner. These areas feature exhibits created with Fukuoka City companies.
Venture into the paid area to delve deeper into science. The Basic Exhibition Room divides into zones. These include Space, Environment, Life and Future. Pick up a Mirai Card upon entering the exhibition room. Collecting stamps unlocks a special exhibition.
The Dome Theater is one of Kyushu’s largest planetariums. It boasts a state-of-the-art optical projector. It also features a high-resolution digital projector supporting 8K. This allows you to see a breathtaking starry sky.
The museum shop offers unique souvenirs. Space food is a popular choice. You can find shrimp gratin, rice balls, vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake. There are even replicas of space suits.
The Fukuoka City Science Museum is accessible from Fukuoka Tower. Take bus number 10, 15 or 20. Get off at the Ropponmatsu bus stop. A short walk will bring you to the museum. So come explore the wonders of science and space. The Fukuoka City Science Museum awaits.