In 1868, exactly 150 years ago, the Edo era came to an end and a new era, the Meiji era, began as Japan started to a period of rapid modernization. People who went to Europe and the US at the end of the Edo era and witnessed the overwhelming power of civilization recognized the importance of science and technology for the development of Japan, and they aimed to “civilize” and “modernize” Japan.

This exhibition traces the magnificent history of science and technology, which have changed Japan from the Meiji era to the Heisei era, with more than 600 valuable materials including important cultural properties and items of industrial and science heritages.