A New Special Exhibition

Explore the remarkable connection between modern-day birds and dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago with the new special exhibition Dinosaurs Unearthed at Science North!

This state-of-the-art collection includes 14 full-sized animatronic dinosaurs (six of which are feathered) and close to 30 fossil replicas including three feathered dinosaur fossils only recently unveiled in North America.

Dinosaurs Unearthed brings to life the most recent scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, with a focus on the feathered dinosaur fossils that were found in China. These feathered fossils offer strong evidence to support the hypothesis that modern-day birds may actually be descendents of dinosaurs. This discovery has changed our perception of the history of life.

The feathered animatronics featured in the exhibition offer a lifelike representation of the current scientific thinking that some of the best-known dinosaurs – such as the formidable Tyrannosaurus rex – looked very different than originally thought. Traditionally, dinosaurs were thought to be scaly and reptilian in appearance. Since feathered fossils have been found, scientists now know that juvenile T. rex were covered in a downy coat of hair-like structures called protofeathers that may have helped regulate heat.

In addition to the six feathered animatronic dinosaurs are nine full-sized animatronic models that look, move and sound like real dinosaurs. The three full-sized skeletons from the Mesozoic Era, and the many fossil replicas from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods provide additional context and illustration.

Interspersed with the exciting stories of feathered fossil discoveries, are tales of human fascination with dinosaurs, which has spanned generations and continents. From late 18th century discoveries in England, to the “Dinosaur Renaissance” of today, these spectacular creatures have captured the human imagination and inspired study for centuries.

To illustrate the history of dinosaur discovery, an excavation site that represents an actual dig site in Zigong, China will show guests how fossils appear in the field during the excavation process. This particular dig site is of historical importance, as it marks the first discovery of fossils from the Mid to Late Jurassic period in Asia.

Click HERE for fascinating dinosaur facts!