The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, located in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, is one of the largest dinosaur museums in the world. Opened in 2000, the museum is dedicated to the display of archaeological discoveries and research related to dinosaurs. It serves as a comprehensive venue combining education, entertainment, and science. The museum's unique design, with an exterior resembling a silver egg, symbolizes the origins and evolution of life.
The permanent exhibition hall of the Fukui Dinosaur Museum is divided into three main sections: the Earth Science Zone, the Dinosaur World Zone, and the History Zone. In the Earth Science Zone, visitors can learn about the origin and evolution of the Earth through interactive multimedia exhibits, gaining insight into the natural world's transformations. The Dinosaur World Zone is the museum's core exhibit, showcasing numerous dinosaur fossils and skeletal models, including valuable specimens discovered in Fukui Prefecture, such as the Fukuiraptor and Katsuyamasaurus. These specimens have undergone detailed study and restoration, providing a glimpse into the life of dinosaurs. The History Zone introduces the evolutionary process of organisms from the birth of the Earth to the present day and displays various fossils from different eras, helping visitors gain a more comprehensive understanding of life's diversity on Earth.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, featuring rare dinosaur fossils from around the world and the latest findings in paleontological research. The museum also houses laboratories and research centers dedicated to the scientific study of dinosaurs and other ancient organisms. Visitors are encouraged to participate in archaeological excavation activities, experiencing firsthand the process of fossil excavation and restoration.