Two New Exhibitions Open to the Public in Spring 2025

Miraikan will open two new permanent exhibitions to the public in April 2025, centered around quantum computer and the universe & elementary particles, with a common theme of “the forefront of knowledge and technology.” These exhibitions introduce the scientific and technological research tackling the new frontiers of quantum particles and the univers, which do not easily give up their secrets, through high-level technological development, and links the results to the future. Visitors will enjoy hands-on exhibitions that reveal cutting-edge, ambitious research and development, full of possibilities for the future.

Quantum computer is a technology that has the potential to clarify natural phenomena previously considered misterious, such as the mechanisms behind black holes and photosynthesis, as well as solve calculations that would require enormous amounts of time with current computers. In this new exhibition, you will enjoy a hands-on exploration of the mechanisms behind quantum computer, which researchers are currently working to make a reality. Imagine a new future brought about through a computer that works in a completely different way from those widely used today.

The universe & elementary particles exhibition focuses on introducing a number of observation techniques that have been developed to explore the unknown cosmos, as well as research that recreates the initial state of the universe using a giant device called a particle accelerator. In recent years, significant progress has been made, particularly in multi-messenger astronomy, which combines observations of the universe using visible light, radio waves, infrared rays, X-rays, and other light sources with non-light sources such as neutrinos and gravitational waves to capture astronomical phenomena from multiple angles. By observate them in a composite manner, researchers are revealing comprehensive portraits of phenomena that could only be partially understood when studied via single means of observation. This exhibition allows visitors to experience the passion of these researchers, the depth of knowledge they have accumulated, and the profound nature of the universe.

Quantum computers are computers that use the principles of quantum mechanics. Because they have far greater computational power than the computers currently in use, if realized, they have the potential to perform calculations that would normally take enormous amounts of time, including the elucidation of natural phenomena that have remained a mystery, like the mechanisms behind black holes and photosynthesis, and the development of groundbreaking new drugs.
To develop a quantum computer, it is necessary to understand and master quantum mechanics, the laws of physics that govern the nano realm of atoms and electrons. However, the quantum realm is a special realm where the conventional wisdom of physics doesn’t apply. Using a quantum computer also requires a new way of thinking about calculation methods that is completely different from that of current computers.
In this exhibition, visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience that gives an intuitive understanding of a quantum computer’s calculation process, which can be difficult to understand. Imagine a future made possible by quantum information science, while getting a sense of the “strong force” of calculations utilizing the “superposition” quantum behavior.

Supervisor: Fujii Keisuke (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University)
Installation area: 3F Permanent Exhibition Zone
Size: About 280 sq.m

We humans have created a variety of different observation methods to capture the unknown universe. In addition to visible light, multi-wavelength astronomy has been developed, including invisible wavelengths such as radio waves, infrared rays, and X-rays. More recently, progress has also been made in the observation of neutrinos, particles that slip through our bodies at a rate of several hundred trillion per second, and gravitational waves, which were first directly detected in 2015. In addition, great strides have been made in multi-messenger astronomy, which captures astronomical phenomena from multiple angles by combining data from these “messengers” that deliver information about the universe to us.
In addition, researchers are using particle accelerators to conduct large-scale experiments to attempt to recreate the initial state of the universe, to learn more about phenomena that cannot be clarified via a single approach.
How do researchers measure things beyond what our eyes can see? In this exhibition, visitors will have a simulated experience of many of the cutting-edge technologies created to explore our universe. The massive scope of the challenge, the passion poured into it, and the accumulated knowledge are sure to amaze. However, the universe remains rich with mystery. This exhibition will give you a sense of the frontiers of human knowledge as well as the profound nature of the cosmos.

Supervisor: Kajita Takaaki (Distinguished University Professor, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, The University of Tokyo)
Scientific Advisors: Ishihara Aya (Professor, International Center for Hadron Astrophysics, Chiba University)
Tanaka Masaomi (Professor, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University)
Nakayama Hiroyuki (Associate Professor, Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization)

Installation area: 5F Permanent Exhibition Zone
Size: About 125 sq.m

We will provide more information as it becomes available. Please await further details.
*Affiliations and titles are current as of the time of publication.