Fukuoka City Science Museum

Fukuoka City Science Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, Exhibits, and Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the dynamic Ropponmatsu district, the Fukuoka City Science Museum is a premier destination for science education, hands-on discovery, and cultural enrichment. Since its opening in October 2017—on the historic site of Kyushu University’s former campus—the museum has become a beacon for STEM learning, seamlessly blending innovative exhibits with Fukuoka’s vibrant urban landscape (Fukuoka Now).

This comprehensive guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, must-see exhibits, travel tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a local, a family, or a traveler interested in Fukuoka’s historical sites, this resource will equip you to get the most from your visit.

Fukuoka City Science Museum 4th floor library with bookshelves and study area

Permanent exhibition floor on the 5th floor of Fukuoka City Science Museum

Entrance of Fukuoka City Science Museum with modern architectural design

Rauch and Lang 1918 electric vehicle exhibited at Fukuoka City Science Museum

Rauch and Lang Electric Vehicle 1918 displayed at Fukuoka City Science Museum

1918 Rauch and Lang electric vehicle displayed at Fukuoka City Science Museum

Historical Background and Museum Significance
Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Location, Access, and Facilities
Must-See Exhibits and Interactive Zones
Special Events, Workshops, and Guided Tours
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Background and Museum Significance

The Fukuoka City Science Museum evolved from the beloved Fukuoka City Children’s Science and Culture Center, aiming to provide a modern, inclusive environment for science learning. Opened in 2017 at Ropponmatsu, the museum is purpose-built to serve as a bridge between academic research and public engagement. Its establishment coincides with Fukuoka’s cultural revitalization, affirming the city’s role as a hub for scientific and technological innovation (Fukuoka Now; Welcome Fukuoka).

The museum is architecturally striking, featuring Kyushu’s largest planetarium dome (25 meters in diameter) with ultra-high-resolution projection and 3D surround sound, and exhibition zones that encourage hands-on interaction for all ages (Crossroad Fukuoka).

Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)

Visiting Hours

Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission 5:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday), and New Year holidays
Planetarium: Showtimes vary—check the official schedule

Tickets and Admission

Adults: 400 yen
High school & university students: 200 yen
Children (junior high school age & under): Free
Special exhibitions: May require separate tickets
Purchase: At the museum entrance or online

Accessibility and Amenities

Fully barrier-free with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Free wheelchair and stroller rentals (limited supply)
Nursing rooms and diaper-changing stations on multiple floors
Multilingual signage (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean)
Staff trained in accessibility and international assistance

Location, Access, and Facilities

Address and Setting

Address: 4-2-1 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0044, Japan
Building: Floors 3–6 of Ropponmatsu 421 commercial complex, on the former Kyushu University campus (Japan Travel Navitime)

Getting There

Subway: Nanakuma Line, Ropponmatsu Station (directly connected to the complex)
Bus: Multiple city routes serve Ropponmatsu; transfers from Hakata Port and Tenjin are convenient (Welcome Fukuoka)
Taxi/Car: Paid parking in Ropponmatsu 421 and surrounding lots
Walking/Cycling: Easy access from Ohori Park and Fukuoka Art Museum

Facilities Overview

3rd Floor: Entrance, tickets, information
4th Floor: Science library, study zones
5th Floor: Main exhibition, robotics corner, labs
6th Floor: Dome Theater (planetarium), workshops
Amenities: Lockers, café, souvenir shop, free Wi-Fi

Must-See Exhibits and Interactive Zones

Planetarium (Dome Theater)

Featuring a 25-meter dome and ~8K digital projection, the planetarium offers immersive daily shows of the cosmos, simulating starry skies and celestial events (Crossroad Fukuoka).

International Space Station Robot Arm

A highlight exhibit featuring a real robot arm used aboard the ISS, exemplifying Japan’s leadership in space technology (MuseumRun).

Thematic Exhibition Zones

Outer Space: Astronomical phenomena, satellite missions, interactive displays
Environment: Renewable energy, climate change simulations, sustainability demonstrations
Life Sciences: Human biology, genetics, biodiversity models
Technology & Robotics: Programmable robots, AI interaction, hands-on engineering challenges

Special Features

RoboSquare: Robotics demonstrations and workshops
Science Navigation & Library: Quiet study and research areas
Multipurpose Science Hall: Seminars, lectures, performances

Special Events, Workshops, and Guided Tours

Science Workshops: Regularly scheduled hands-on events in chemistry, engineering, and more (MuseumRun)
Live Demonstrations: Daily shows for all ages
Special Exhibitions: Rotating displays on current scientific topics
Guided Tours: Available for groups with prior reservation
Virtual Resources: Online content and virtual tours

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Make your museum visit part of a full day exploring Fukuoka’s cultural and historical treasures:

Ohori Park: Urban green space with a traditional Japanese garden
Fukuoka Art Museum: Notable for Asian and contemporary art collections
Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Historic ruins with panoramic city views
Kushida Shrine: One of the city’s oldest Shinto shrines (Crossroad Fukuoka)

Tips:

Visit on weekdays or early afternoons for fewer crowds
Check the museum website for event schedules before arrival
Use public transport to avoid parking challenges
Photography is permitted in most zones; check for restrictions in special exhibitions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM); closed Mondays.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: At the entrance or online.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes—wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, ramps, elevators, and staff assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for groups with advance reservation.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Ohori Park, Fukuoka Art Museum, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, and Kushida Shrine.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Fukuoka City Science Museum stands at the forefront of science education and cultural engagement in Fukuoka. With interactive exhibits, modern facilities, and a prime location near historical sites, it offers something for every visitor—families, students, and science enthusiasts alike.

Plan your visit today by checking the official museum website for current exhibitions and tickets. For travel planning and real-time updates, download the Audiala app. Connect with the museum on social media for news about upcoming events.

Experience the excitement of science, technology, and discovery in one of Japan’s most innovative cities. The Fukuoka City Science Museum awaits to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning.

References

Suggested Visuals:

Fukuoka City Science Museum exterior in Ropponmatsu (alt: “Fukuoka City Science Museum entrance”)
Planetarium dome interior (alt: “Planetarium dome at Fukuoka City Science Museum”)
ISS robot arm exhibit (alt: “ISS robot arm exhibit at Fukuoka City Science Museum”)
Map of museum location and nearby attractions (alt: “Map of Fukuoka City Science Museum and nearby historical sites”)