Fragments of the earth, packed in tight.

Hokkaido University Museum

Long used as the main building of the Faculty of Science, the building began its history as a museum open to the public in Heisei 11 (1999). It organizes and preserves an astonishing 4 million academic specimens, with a portion open for public viewing. Since the founding of Sapporo Agricultural College in Meiji 9 (1876), the museum has taken on the mission of passing down more than 130 years of Hokkaido University's academic research achievements to the next generation.

Step inside, and a vast number of specimens and materials seem to speak quietly to you — exhibits on Hokkaido University's history, academic-themed displays including plant and insect specimens and skeletal specimens, and displays of scholarly materials. Just as with the exterior, the interior has its own highlights scattered throughout, from the pure-white Einstein Dome to symbolic reliefs. It's easy to lose track of time while wandering through. The museum also puts real effort into special exhibitions, and many visitors come specifically to enjoy public seminars and workshops. Past, present, and future, the things (specimens and materials) and knowledge (information) accumulated at Hokkaido University continue to bring all kinds of people together. As a museum open not just to the academic community but to the wider public, it's likely to keep growing into a presence the whole city holds dear.