384794 5 Location 461375 <p>Having seen almost every science museum in every city I ever visited, there isn’t much I haven’t yet seen in this genre. It was very pleasant to discover that Japan, once again, has something fresh and different to offer when it comes to popular science.</p><p>First of all, as one would expect, many of the artifacts and displays are geared toward schoolchildren and highlight the usual set of biology, anthropology, and basic sciences topics. This is of course a good thing, as in this respect the museum is on par with the best ones I saw around the world.</p><p>The trait which is unusual is very high density of displays. At one point I would think “I feel like an Egyptian during the locusts’ onslaught”. Or, “That’s what happened when inhabitants of Noah Cradle decided to ride Tokyo metro during rush hour”.</p><p>Another thing which is rather unique is the scientific depth and tremendous attention to detail. In combination with impeccable taste for spatial arrangement, color coordination, and lighting, this gives the museum a distinct upscale feel.</p><p>Even if you are not very interested in science, you will enjoy the artistic perfection with which the museum expositions are arranged. There are tons of amusing or plainly pleasant to look at displays and artifacts, some of which would feel right in place in an art gallery.</p><p>If you are interested in science, you will find many things that will please you. The breadth – for example, when it comes to anthropology, all significant Homo Sapient ancestors and all continents are covered. The depth – for instance, interactive astronomy and cosmology displays go into significant detail, with math and all, and I learned some new things from them. The authenticity – like seeing one of the first computers ever made fully assembled and seemingly ready to start, which elicits quite powerful emotional response. The quality – all displays are very detailed and recreations of things past are very lifelike. </p><p>Overall, I feel this museum is one of must-sees in Tokyo for anyone with interest in science and technology.</p> 2006-02-19T05:25:37-08:00 287309825 2006-02-07T16:00:00-08:00 0 16 164681 986414 384794 0 182121 0.0 2006-02-06T16:00:00-08:00 Published A pleasant surprise 0.0 2006-02-19T05:25:38-08:00 3303 0