Tangshan Homo Erectus Fossil Museum

When the past met the future; Homo Erectus Fossil Museum, opened on 11th August 2014 in the running-up to the Olympic games, gives an in insight into the prehistoric life of the Nanjing cave couple, a pair of 600 000 year old skulls discovered in the Tangshan area of Nanjing in 1993. While its interior takes visitors on a trip into the distant past, displaying the origins of man most vividly through wax figures and busts that have been reconstructed out of the skulls, the exterior of the museum in total contrast to its content is rather futuristic. Designed by French architect Odile Decq and her studio of international fame, the building is fitted into the side of the mountain, that was the site of discovery over two decades ago, running along side the slope and winding itself in unison with the mountain. The construct is glass to allow for maximum natural light and is further representative of Nanjing’s “green and sustainable Games” motto. So, whether it is the pre-historic past or the future of today you are curious about, this cultural highlight produced due to YOG will definitely not disappoint.