The Research and Education Center "Evolution of the Earth" of Novosibirsk State University is a modern complex of exposition halls, exhibits and interactive systems, created for scientific, educational and promotional activities in Earth sciences among a wide public, including school students of all grades. The center uses a comprehensible style to present the structure of the Earth, its place in interplanetary space, the composition of the geospheres, motions of lithospheric plates, the variability of geological processes within the Earth, minerals and rocks, mineral resources and the means of their exploration and extraction, the evolution of the biosphere and much else.
VIDEO TOUR OF THE CENTER
>1100
21
models
information boards
36
4
exhibition halls
6
external exhibitions
7
information kiosks
movie theatre
exhibits
Among unique exhibits are rocks and minerals from great depths in the Earth, meteorites, ancient fauna and flora fossils, samples of Siberian oils and coals, etc. The center features a unique hardware and software projection complex consisting of a spherical screen and a LED panel, operated via an interactive touchscreen. This interactive globe and its software allow to visualize any geological and geophysical data and pictures on a sphere, including in online mode. All halls of the Center have interactive computers, tables and touchscreens. All exhibitions are translated into English. Between halls is a projection room with 20 seats for demonstration of educational scientific films and videos on Earth sciences. This cinema can be used as a lecture room for lessons and seminars. The projection system supports the 3D format.
Exhibition halls
1. Inner structure and atmosphere of the Sun
2. Meteorites, tektites and impactites
3. Structure of the Earth: core, mantle, lithosphere and Earth crust
4. Mantle xenoliths
5. Kimberlites and diamonds
6. Studies of the Solar System
7. Exomars rover
Interactive exhibits
8. Orbus globe
9. Seismic waves
2. Meteorites, tektites and impactites
3. Structure of the Earth: core, mantle, lithosphere and Earth crust
4. Mantle xenoliths
5. Kimberlites and diamonds
6. Studies of the Solar System
7. Exomars rover
Interactive exhibits
8. Orbus globe
9. Seismic waves
Hall 1
Exhibition themes
Structure of the Earth and the nearby interstellar space
1. Structure and symmetry of crystals
2. Classification of minerals
3. Plate tectonics
4. Volcanism and eruption products
5. Magmatism and igneous rocks
6. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks
7. Hydrothermal rocks and processes
8. Microscopy
2. Classification of minerals
3. Plate tectonics
4. Volcanism and eruption products
5. Magmatism and igneous rocks
6. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks
7. Hydrothermal rocks and processes
8. Microscopy
Hall 2
Exhibition themes
Composition of the Earth and processes at depth
Exhibition themes
Evolution of the biosphere
1. Evolution of life from the Precambrian to present times
2. Ichnofossils – organisms footprints
3. The black smoker biota
4. Pleistocene predators
5. Siberia in the Pleistocene
6. Hominids
2. Ichnofossils – organisms footprints
3. The black smoker biota
4. Pleistocene predators
5. Siberia in the Pleistocene
6. Hominids
Hall 3
1. Exploration and production of oil from the 18th to the 21st century
2. Formation of oil, gas and coal
3. Oil fields of Siberia
4. Ore and non-metallic minerals resources
5. Luminescence of minerals in UV light
6. Growing synthetic crystals
7. Structure of the continental shelf
2. Formation of oil, gas and coal
3. Oil fields of Siberia
4. Ore and non-metallic minerals resources
5. Luminescence of minerals in UV light
6. Growing synthetic crystals
7. Structure of the continental shelf
Hall 4
Exhibition themes
Mineral resources and conditions of their formation
Master classes
Mineral Identification
Using an interactive game format, participants will learn to identify minerals and discover their unique properties. During the workshop, they will:
- identify over 15 different minerals;
- learn about the practical applications of these minerals;
- enjoy a fun and educational experience with our guides.
Studying Fossils
In this workshop, school children will discover the incredible diversity of ancient life as they explore numerous examples of extinct vertebrates and invertebrates. The collection includes everything from large specimens to those that can only be examined under a microscope. Participants will get a firsthand look at how real paleontologists’ work. The fossils that will be examined span a timeframe from 500 million years ago to the present day and were collected by experts from NSU and other research institutes across the country.
Gemology Workshop
Participants will learn to identify and describe the color of gemstones according to professional standards. We will explore concepts such as tone, saturation, and hue, examine how light affects the perception of a stone, and discover why two seemingly identical gems can vary significantly in value. Armed with a magnifying glass, we will look inside the crystals to observe natural inclusions, tiny fractures, and bubbles that reveal the stone's origins. We will also examine various cutting styles from the classic brilliant cut to fancy shapes and learn how the geometry of the facets enhances the beauty of the color. You will have a chance to try your hand at being a gemologist using real specimens from our collection.
Paleontological Excavations
All paleontological research begins with a search for fossils. These fossils are then carefully prepared and identified. During this workshop, children will experience every stage of a paleontologist's typical work process from preparing the specimens to identifying the animal or plant and determining the geological period in which it lived.
Lectures, excursions
Meteorites and other guests of the Earth
You will learn about space objects that fall into the Earth's atmosphere from the smallest dust particles to meteorites, asteroids, and comets.
What is a smartphone made of?
You will find out what minerals and fossils are used to make your smartphone.
20 facts about dinosaurs.
20 Facts you don’t know about the most impressive animals that ever lived on Earth.
Color: From First Glance to Mineral Pigments
Imagine a world without color - gray, flat, and lifeless. How did the miracle of seeing a rainbow happen? We will trace the amazing evolutionary journey of the eye from the earliest light-sensitive cells to our own sophisticated vision. We will discover what light is and how it plays with us creating thousands of shades. Then, we will step into the workshops of ancient artists and discover how ochres and lapis lazuli were transformed into paints that have endured for centuries and which stones provided color for icons and royal robes. Come and get a new perspective on familiar objects!
The Museum has a souvenir shop
Monday — Sunday
WORK SCHEDULE OF THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER
NSU students and employees — free
Pensioner — 200 rub
School students/preschooler — 250 rub (children to 4 years old — free)
Students and PhD candidates of other universities – 300 rub
Other visitors – 400 rub
Pensioner — 200 rub
School students/preschooler — 250 rub (children to 4 years old — free)
Students and PhD candidates of other universities – 300 rub
Other visitors – 400 rub
Ticket cost
09:00—17:30
Tours are by appointment only
You can sign up Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (lunch break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM).
You can sign up Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (lunch break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM).
Individual excursions
up to 6 people — 3,000 rub.
6-10 people — 3500 rub.
Registration for individual visitors is open at website.
Group excursions are conducted by appointment only. You can sign up by phone: 363-42-25
up to 6 people — 3,000 rub.
6-10 people — 3500 rub.
Registration for individual visitors is open at website.
Group excursions are conducted by appointment only. You can sign up by phone: 363-42-25
CONTACTS