The jellyfish body,
and its curious life.
News
The Body and Life
of a Jellyfish
Jellyfish belong to the cnidarians, the same group as sea anemones and corals. Their bodies are mostly water. They swim by opening and closing their bell and catch food with their tentacles. This exhibition introduces many kinds of jellyfish, from the moon jellyfish found in nearby waters to species that glow, through live animals, specimens, film, and models. Free audio guides are available in English and Japanese.
Highlights
The exhibition is organized around three themes. Follow them in order to explore how jellyfish are shaped and move, how they change over a lifetime, and how they relate to light.
Shape and Movement
The shape of the bell, the length of the tentacles, and the way they swim differ greatly from species to species. See several kinds of live jellyfish side by side and compare them up close.
A Jellyfish’s Life
Many jellyfish spend part of their life as a polyp attached to rocks before taking on the familiar jellyfish form. Specimens, enlarged models, and film trace each stage of growth.
Jellyfish and Light
Some jellyfish produce their own light. The exhibition also features comb jellies, jellyfish-like animals from a separate group. Their rainbow shimmer comes from light scattering off the rows of comb plates on their bodies, not from bioluminescence. A darkened gallery and a 360-degree film theater show the difference.
Gallery
Views of the exhibition and the jellyfish on display. Drag or use the arrow buttons to rotate, and click a photo to enlarge it.
Events
Observation nights, workshops, gallery talks, and more. For events that require booking, please apply from each event’s page.
Tickets
Adults
$18
Students
$12
Children
$8
Under 6
Free
* Advance tickets are on sale from June 15 (Sat) to July 18 (Thu), at $2 off each price.
* Timed-entry tickets are required on weekends and holidays.
* Same-day tickets are sold at the venue. On weekends and holidays, they are sold only for time slots with availability.
* Visitors with a disability certificate and one companion are admitted free.
Group visits (10 or more)
Please book through the contact form at least two weeks before your visit. Choose “Group booking” as the inquiry type and include your group name, visit date, and group size. Group rates and payment details will be sent after you book.
Visit
Dates
2030
.
7.19
(Fri)
–
9.28
(Sat)
Hours
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
Until 8:00 PM on Saturdays in August (last entry 7:30 PM)
Closed
Tuesdays (open on August 13)
Venue
Special Exhibition Gallery, Sample City Science Museum
1-2-3 Sample Street, Sample City 000-0000
Getting Here
Train: 5-minute walk from the east exit of Sample Station
Bus: Get off at “Science Museum” (City Bus)
Car: Paid parking at the museum (120 spaces)
FAQ
Q
Can I re-enter?
A
You may re-enter once on the same day. Please get a re-entry stamp at the exit before you leave.
Q
Can I take photos?
A
Photography is allowed except in some areas. Please do not use flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
Q
Can I bring a stroller?
A
Yes, strollers are welcome. A limited number are available to borrow at the entrance. The galleries are dimly lit, so please watch your step.
Q
How long does a visit take?
A
Plan on about 60 to 90 minutes. Timed-entry tickets are required on weekends and holidays, so please buy in advance.
Q
Is there parking?
A
The museum has a paid parking lot with 120 spaces. It fills up quickly on weekends and holidays, so we recommend public transportation.
Creators
Kaito Yamada
Marine biologist who studies the ecology and life cycle of jellyfish. Scientific supervisor for this exhibition.
Lena Mori
Installation artist who works with light and space in Japan and abroad. Designed the exhibition space.
Ao Tanaka
Sound designer who creates works from environmental recordings. Created the sound for the film theater.