The planetarium dome is certified as one of the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records organization.
The museum building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando.
The site includes an extensive collection of mineral specimens native to the Shikoku region.
A massive, animated robotic dinosaur model is featured in the permanent exhibition hall.
The building's floor plan is intentionally arranged to mimic the trajectory of planetary orbits.
The facility houses a dedicated research library specializing in regional geology and flora.
The Ehime Prefectural Science Museum is a large-scale facility in Niihama known for housing one of the world's largest planetarium projection domes, measuring 30 meters in diameter. The museum's architecture features a distinctive, modern metallic aesthetic designed by architect Tadao Ando. Exhibits are divided into distinct thematic wings focusing on natural history, the evolution of science, and space exploration. The 'Natural History' hall displays a life-sized model of a Brachiosaurus that spans multiple floors. Visitors can engage with numerous interactive science stations designed for hands-on learning. The facility serves as a regional center for STEM education and community science programming. It is situated at the base of the surrounding mountains, providing a scenic backdrop for the modernist structure.
The exterior viewing platform that captures the interaction between the museum's curved metallic facade and the mountain range backdrop.
Check the planetarium schedule upon arrival, as shows are timed and have limited seating capacity.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the facility covers a significant surface area across multiple levels.
Allocate extra time for the outdoor science park if visiting during mild weather.
Do not attempt to walk from the nearest railway station, as the distance is significant and public transit is infrequent.
Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year period.
