The Antarctic Dinosaurs Exhibit Opened to the Public Wednesday April 3rd. As a Fellows Member, I was able to get an early look at this “Dinotastic” Adventure on Monday April 1st. Really, No Fooling! Check out the NHMLA membership programs at www.nhm.org
Antarctica is one of the most isolated and dangerous environments on Earth. However, 200 Million Years Ago it was part of the Super continent “Gondwana”. Then a lush wooded habitat where Dinosaurs thrived. Over the course of Millions of Years this land mass drifted towards the South Pole. As the climate became cooler so did the polar dinosaurs.
As you enter the floor displays Antarctica and provides a brief history of its exploration. The Walls provide a video panoramic view of the continent that lasts much longer than the floor display presentation. If you stay long enough to see the entire wall video (which I recommend) you will probably have the facts from the repeated floor program memorized. The History of Exploration of Antarctic is also provided with historic photos and early fossil discoveries. Even the tools, gear and clothing the explorers wore are out for your view. There is an interactive display where you choose your role and the necessary clothing & gear for your adventure. Throughout the exhibit are comic book style wall boards with our scientists explaining their mission and discoveries. What’s really great is these comic style characters are the actual scientists that went on the mission and studied the recoveries to share with You. Our Dr. Nathan Smith, Associate Curator of the NHM’s Dinosaur Institute is one of these scientists. Dr. Smith has shared behind the scenes information with us on prior visits to the Museum.
A fleshed out imagining of Antarctosuchus polydon a 6.5-foot-long amphibian about the size of a crocodile greets you just before entering the World of Antarctic Dinosaurs. The leg that kicked off the discovery of Cryolophosaurus in 1990 is displayed with a complete full-size skeleton (about 25 feet long). Cryolophosaurus derived from Greek for cold or frozen crested lizard. A fleshed-out creation of Cryolophosaurus with a backdrop of his Antarctic environment of the time really takes you to their World. Next a group young Glacialisaurs play in their native recreated meadow & forest. These Sauropodomorphs are the ancestors of the great Titanosaurs that thundered across the Globe many years later. At about 25 feet long for an adult, they seem tiny compared to the Sauropods that will follow after them. Taniwhasaurus a 23-foot-long marine reptile from the Mosasaur family is waiting to say hello.
It’s a Wonderful Exhibit! I can’t wait for a return visit. Reservations are required for Antarctic Dinosaurs. The Exhibit is scheduled through January 5th at the NHMLA. But don’t take a chance on missing it!
If you would like to excavate your own Dinosaurs, check out the offerings from “Dig It Up!” They have dinosaur eggs that after soaking for about 10 minutes, you can use the enclosed tool to excavate a dinosaur from the softened clay egg. The dinosaurs are very nice miniature representations of those that once roamed the Earth. It’s a Great Deal of Fun! Hopefully, You’ll let Your Kids have a turn with excavating these little dinosaurs.
Stay Tuned for “Spike” the Spinosaurus Final Touch-Ups & Clear Coating!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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