Museum of Nature and Science
Unveils a New Dynasty of Dinosaurs Chinasaurs Exhibit Reveals New Creatures, New Discoveries Uncovered in Asia
The intrigue of the prehistoric past collides with the mysteries of the Far East in an exciting new dinosaur experience, Chinasaurs. The travelling exhibit will show all summer at the Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park and close Monday, September 5.
All of the latest dinosaur discoveries, the newest species and the most recent evolutionary theories come from China, and they are celebrated in Chinasaurs’ interactive displays. Chinasaurs focuses on recent, thought-provoking discoveries from China, the current “hot spot” in the field of paleontology. Dinosaurs like
T.rex and Triceratops are household names, but their Asian dino-cousins like Mamenchisaurus and Jingshanosaurus are just as scientifically fascinating and important, as well as more recently identified. “It’s actually the discoveries made in China that establish the exciting new links between dinosaurs and birds – several feathered dinosaur species were recovered and identified during digs in the Far East,” says Dr. Tony Fiorillo, curator of Earth sciences and chief paleontologist for the Museum. “Over the last few decades the study of Chinese dinosaurs has skyrocketed. The reasons for escalation in global stature stem from a commitment by the government to investigate vast regions of previously unexplored rocks in China, combined with discoveries of exquisitely preserved dinosaur remains.” These remains are painstakingly recreated in Chinasaurs through more than 20 full-scale dinosaur skeletons – up to 42 feet long – and fossilized dinosaur nests and eggs. In addition, five animatronic Chinasaurs bring the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods to life. Visitors will meet Mamenchisaurus, the longest- necked dinosaur ever discovered, the 42-foot-long Jingshanosaurus and the spike-backed Tuojiangosaurus among many others.
“This is a unique chance to simultaneously experience 12 North Texas Kids • July 2011 •
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another culture and another time,” says Paul Vinson, director of exhibits at MNS. “With Chinasaurs, you’ll experience whole new breeds of dinosaurs that have new things to teach us and beautiful, exotic new names.” The Museum is pairing Chinasaurs with a new IMAX® film, Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World, to introduce visitors to the Chinasaurs’ ocean-dwelling counterparts. This Double Dino Package offers a more complete look at life in the Mesozoic Era, and offers price reduction when tickets for both shows are purchased together.
Sea Rex takes place during a tour of a modern-day aquatic center. Soon the movie whisks audiences back through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to discover creatures like the powerful Liopleurodon, the long-necked Elasmosaurus, the “eye-lizard” Ophthalmosaurus, the ferocious Prognathodon and the massive Shonisaurus. Chinasaurs is a traveling exhibit that will be on display in the MNS Science Building at 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park from May 26, 2011 through September 5, 2011. Admission to the exhibit requires an additional fee, but covers all MNS exhibits and galleries. MNS members receive reduced admission prices. Chinasaurs admission is $15 for adults (18-61); $14 for seniors (62+) and students (12-17); $12 for children (2-11). Admission
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