Many people are fascinated by dinosaurs, perhaps because they have never been seen by humans. The new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, “Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries”, offers a striking new perspective on these extinct creatures, certain to appeal to all ages.
The first thing that kids will appreciate is that this is not a static exhibit. There are large video monitors where dinosaurs appear to move, and interactive stations where kids can manipulate dinosaurs to their hearts’ content (or until the next child insists on his turn). There is a huge T. Rex skeleton that walks in place and a steel recreation of an Apatosaurus skeleton.
According to new discoveries, dinosaurs didn’t move as quickly as previously thought; one area compares their movement to that of elephants, who are seen lumbering in a video. The new research also emphasizes the close relationship between dinosaurs and birds; a comparison is made between dino and turkey footprints.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is the diorama of a prehistoric forest from Liaoning Province, in China. There are life-size models of dinosaurs, reptiles, birds and plants; you can see animals flying overhead and under water. A soundtrack provides ambience. One of the dinosaur models is covered with something that resembles feathers, further highlighting the bird/dinosaur connection. The animal and plant life (463 handmade animal models, 12,000 hand-painted leaves) are almost all extinct.
Kids can touch certain fossils and gape at the giant footprints under changing colored lights. They are also encouraged to act like dinosaurs; one panel asks visitors to try walking with their heads tucked into their chests, and another suggests trying out moving on all fours. A section on dinosaur behavior focuses on the herding activity of dinosaurs, and the varied uses of the horned skulls of some species.
In the area on extinction, there is a video of an asteroid hitting the earth. Different theories about dinosaur extinction are discussed; there is also a delineation of the many species that did survive the dinosaur era, including mollusks and some reptiles, turtles and mammals.
The museum has many special events associated with the exhibit, including free dinosaur tattoos on June 11 and 12; “I Dig for Dinosaurs”, where kids can try to find replicas of bones, June 18 and 19; and “Dino Glow”, where kids can decorate dinosaur models with glow-in-the-dark paint, July 9. All these special events are held noon-3pm. There are also Sunday workshops where families can build dinosaurs or study dino footprints; this summer, there is a new dinosaur theme camp
The DinerSaurus Café on 4 has special food including chicken nuggets and tater tots in dino shapes and Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus cookies. More adventurous eaters can try the Liaoning Province dishes: Mongolian noodle soup or a variety of steamed dumplings.
“Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries” is on view until January 8, 2006.
Info:
Where: Central Park West at 79th Street. When: Daily 10am-5:45pm; admission is by timed tickets How much: $19/adults; $14/students and seniors; $11/children; includes museum admission
For more info: (212) 769-5100; “Dino Alerts” at www.amnh.org/dinosaurs
