Life-Size Dinosaurs and Fascinating Specimens
One of the first exhibits to catch visitors’ attention is a life-size moving model of a Tyrannosaurus. Its roaring sound and realistic movements create an exciting atmosphere, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into the prehistoric world.
Another highlight is the approximately 15-meter-long skeleton of a Camarasaurus. The enormous scale of the specimen provides a striking impression of just how large some dinosaurs were.
Experience a Prehistoric Excavation
The museum also features an exhibit recreating an archaeological excavation site beneath a glass floor. Looking down at the simulated excavation area gives visitors the feeling of taking part in a real fossil investigation.
These immersive displays are especially enjoyable for children fascinated by dinosaurs, while adults can also rediscover the excitement of exploring Earth’s distant past.
Ancient Life Discovered in Gunma
One of the museum’s distinctive features is its extensive collection of prehistoric specimens discovered in Gunma Prefecture.
Among the exhibits are dinosaur fossils discovered in Kanna Town, as well as the ancient shark-like fish Helicoprion, the marine mammal Paleoparadoxia, and the enormous Yabe’s giant deer.
These specimens reveal that the land now known as Gunma has supported a remarkable variety of life over millions of years. They also provide visitors with an opportunity to explore Gunma’s natural history from a distinctly local perspective.
Permanent Exhibitions: A Journey Through Earth and Life
The Introduction – A Journey Through 13.8 Billion Years
The permanent exhibition is designed as a journey backward through time, beginning with the present and gradually tracing the history of humanity, Earth, and the universe.
The story eventually reaches the Big Bang, allowing visitors to consider the immense span of approximately 13.8 billion years and understand how the universe, Earth, and life are connected within that timeline.
The Age of Earth
This section introduces the formation of Earth, the emergence of life, and the evolutionary changes that followed. Major turning points in the history of life, including the rise of dinosaurs and the mystery of their extinction, are presented through models, videos, and other visual displays.
The exhibits make complex scientific subjects easier to understand and encourage visitors to think about the extraordinary history of life on Earth.
Gunma’s Nature and Environment
The museum recreates Gunma’s diverse natural environments, from lowland areas to high mountain zones, using detailed dioramas.
A particularly impressive feature is the large beech forest diorama, which creates the feeling of standing inside a real forest. Visitors can also learn about the natural environment of Oze through a theater presentation featuring its beautiful landscapes throughout the seasons.
Darwin’s Room
Darwin’s Room is named after Charles Darwin, the naturalist whose work on evolution profoundly influenced modern biology.
The room displays specimens collected from around the world and introduces visitors to the diversity of living organisms and the mechanisms of evolution. A robot scientist named Charlie serves as a guide, helping visitors explore the mysteries of evolution in an entertaining way.
Some specimens can also be touched, adding a hands-on element to the learning experience.
Humans in the Natural World
This section examines human beings from the perspective that humans are also one species among the many forms of life on Earth.
Skeleton models and comparative displays illustrate the process of human evolution and help visitors understand how humans developed in relation to other living organisms.
Our Precious Planet
The final section turns attention toward the current condition of the Earth’s environment.
Visitors can learn about environmental problems caused by human activities and their effects on ecosystems, while also considering what individuals and society can do to protect the planet for future generations.
Special Exhibitions and Cultural Events
The museum holds approximately three special exhibitions each year, generally in spring, summer, and autumn. Each exhibition explores a different theme, introducing new research findings and subjects of current scientific interest.
Because the themes change regularly, even repeat visitors can discover something new on each visit.
The museum complex also includes the multipurpose Kabura Cultural Hall, which hosts lectures, educational programs, and other events.
History of the Museum
The museum’s history dates back to 1978, when its predecessor, the Gunma Prefectural Museum of Natural Science Materials, opened.
In 1996, it was reorganized as the present Gunma Museum of Natural History. A prominent paleontologist served as its first director, and the museum developed specialized exhibitions and educational programs based on scientific research.
Since then, it has played an important role as a center for natural history research and education in Gunma Prefecture.
A Family-Friendly Destination in Tomioka
With its spacious exhibition areas and wide range of subjects, the museum appeals to many different types of visitors, from families and school groups to nature enthusiasts and travelers with an interest in science.
It is also easy to combine a visit with other attractions in Tomioka, including the Tomioka Silk Mill. Exploring both sites provides an opportunity to discover two very different aspects of the region: the history of Japan’s industrial modernization and the much older story of Earth’s natural environment.
Discover the Story of Earth and Life
Gunma Museum of Natural History offers a journey from the birth of the universe to the evolution of life and the natural landscapes of present-day Gunma.
Dinosaurs, fossils, ancient animals, geological history, forests, ecosystems, and human evolution are brought together in a way that makes scientific knowledge accessible and engaging.
For travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and discover the immense story behind the landscapes and living things of Japan, this museum offers an inspiring introduction to the natural history of Gunma.