Ultimate Dinosaurs Exhibit at Science Museum of Virginia

Being the mom of a dino enthusiast, I felt knowledgeable in my dino vocabulary and identification skills, but this exhibit took me to another level. We’ve all heard of t-rex and stegosaurus, but Ultimate Dinosaurs introduces visitors to lesser known dinosaurs from South America, Africa, and Madagascar. I loved every artifact and interactive feature in the exhibit, and I hope you will check it out soon!

Reasons to Experience Ultimate Dinosaurs at Science Museum of Virginia

Supersized Fossil Specimens

Make time to marvel at all 17 life size skeletons made from fossil molds. We loved comparing the sizes of the various dinosaurs and reading about them on the display panels. Favorites included Gigantosaurus, the largest carnivorous dinosaur from Gondwana, and Simosuchus, from Madagascar who really resembles a crocodile!

Lots to Learn

The display panels share informative details about each artifact or skeleton. Additionally, touchscreens are in front of each skeleton which offer even more information including diet, habitat, and more. Be sure to dedicate at least 1.5 hours to visiting, as you will want to take in all the information the exhibit has to offer!

Hands On Experience

I am so impressed by the amount of hands on learning opportunities that both children and adults will enjoy. We loved using the magnifying glass to examine artifacts, as well as the microfossil sifter. It’s neat to feel like a paleontologist for a day and try out the tools they’d use in their daily work.

Connecting the Exhibit to The Dome

For only $5/person, you can add on a ticket to “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” playing at The SMV’s Dome. The film is 45 minutes and held my family’s attention for the duration. (There are no scary parts.) Seeing the film is a great way to connect what you’ve seen in the Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibit.

Ultimate Dinosaurs will be at Science Museum of Virginia through Sept.1, 2025.

–By Lindsay Garrison

Related post: Richmond museum highlight art, history, science and more

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