The Great Extinction: The Big Five in the History of Life – 2026 in Japan Ticket

Overview

The Great Extinction: The Big Five in the History of Life is a monumental exhibition that explores the five most catastrophic events in Earth’s biological timeline. Since the dawn of life 4 billion years ago, these “mass extinctions” have reshaped the planet by wiping out dominant species while simultaneously paving the way for new evolutionary paths. Supervised by leading research staff from the National Museum of Nature and Science, the exhibition uses the latest paleontological and volcanic research to illustrate the causes and consequences of these global resets.

Visitors will embark on a journey through time, encountering rare fossils and life-sized specimens that tell stories of survival and loss. From the vanished seas of the Ordovician to the asteroid impact that ended the age of dinosaurs, the exhibit showcases how biodiversity collapsed and re-emerged in unexpected forms. This experience serves as a powerful reflection on Earth’s resilience and a timely reminder of the environmental challenges facing our world today.

Why Attend

• Discover over 50 rare fossils and specimens, including several on loan from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science specifically for this tour.
• Learn about the “Big Five” mass extinctions through immersive displays and the very latest scientific research into volcanology and climate change.
• Experience a unique educational journey suitable for all ages, featuring full-scale replicas of prehistoric creatures that once ruled the Earth.
• Explore high-tech interactive exhibits at Japan’s premier science museums, including the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.
• Gain a deep understanding of how past extinctions have directly influenced the evolution of modern life, including the history of mammals.

Schedule & Tickets Information

Below are the complete details for the event, including dates, venues, seat types, and other important ticket information. Once you’ve reviewed everything, simply contact us with your preferred ticket selection, and we’ll assist you with the purchase.

Please note: After receiving your request, we will first check live availability on the official platform. If the tickets are still available, we will try our best to secure them for you. If they are sold out, don’t worry — we can also provide tickets through trusted and verified resale marketplaces in Japan, ensuring you still get the seats you want.

Date	Venue	Seat Types
Nov 1, 2025 – Feb 23, 2026	National Museum of Nature and Science (Tokyo)	Adults/University students, Elementary/Junior high/High school students
Mar 20, 2026 – Jun 14, 2026	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults (Tyrannosaurus plush toy exchange ticket), Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students
Apr 11, 2026 (17:30)	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students, Welfare tickets
Apr 11, 2026 (18:00)	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students, Welfare tickets
Apr 11, 2026 (18:30)	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students, Welfare tickets
Apr 12, 2026 (17:30)	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students, Welfare tickets
Apr 12, 2026 (18:00)	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students, Welfare tickets
Apr 12, 2026 (18:30)	Nagoya City Science Museum	Adults, University students, High school students, Elementary/Junior High students, Welfare tickets

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Background

The Great Extinction: The Big Five in the History of Life (特別展「大絶滅展―生命史のビッグファイブ」) is a major special exhibition arriving at the Nagoya City Science Museum in the spring of 2026. Supervised by a team of ten experts from the National Museum of Nature and Science, the exhibition focuses on the five “mass extinction” events—commonly known as the Big Five—that wiped out vast numbers of species over the Earth’s 4 billion-year history. Rather than viewing these as simple tragedies, the exhibit explores how these crises paved the way for new evolutionary booms, such as the rise of mammals following the end of the dinosaurs.

The exhibition features a high-tech “Mass Extinction Sphere” at its center, surrounded by themed zones that use fossils, rock evidence, and volcanic models to recreate the environment of each era. Visitors can see rare specimens, including massive dinosaur skeletons and the world’s oldest tree replicas, many of which are part of a global tour from institutions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. A unique highlight for this tour is a special section titled “Voice of Life, Song of Earth,” featuring a photography exhibition by Japanese artist Masaharu Fukuyama, who also serves as the show’s audio guide navigator.

Venue Information

• Venue Name: Nagoya City Science Museum (Science and Technology Building, B2F Event Hall)
• Address: 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan
• Entry Gates Info: Main entrance is located within Shirakawa Park; the B2F Event Hall is accessible via the elevators or stairs in the Science and Technology Building.
• Nearby Landmarks: Shirakawa Park, Nagoya City Art Museum, Fushimi Subway Station, and the Osu Kannon Temple district.

FAQs

What is included in the special Tyrannosaurus plush toy exchange ticket?

This special ticket package includes general admission to the exhibition at the Nagoya City Science Museum along with an exchange voucher for an exclusive Tyrannosaurus plush toy. These plushies are often limited-edition items created specifically for the tour and can be collected at the museum’s gift shop or a designated booth.

How do I access the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo?

The museum is located within Ueno Park, just a 5-minute walk from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station. It is also easily accessible from the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya lines, making it a convenient destination for travelers staying anywhere in central Tokyo.

Who qualifies for the welfare tickets listed in the schedule?

Welfare tickets are available for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Typically, these tickets offer a significant discount for the certificate holder and up to two caregivers, ensuring that the exhibition remains accessible and affordable for those requiring additional assistance during their visit.

Can I visit the permanent exhibits at the museum with these tickets?

Special exhibition tickets usually grant access to both the specific “Great Extinction” gallery and the museum’s regular permanent collections. However, it is always recommended to check the specific entry conditions upon arrival, as some venues may require a separate or upgrade ticket for certain specialized sections.

What are the “Big Five” mass extinctions featured in the show?

The Big Five refer to the end-Ordovician, Late Devonian, end-Permian, end-Triassic, and end-Cretaceous extinctions. Each event wiped out a vast majority of the Earth’s species and is explored through different themed zones in the exhibition, focusing on the volcanic activity and climate changes that triggered them.