Jurassic Dig On Display At Museum Of Natural History

After Jurassic Park became a blockbuster in 1993, the Museum of Natural History was offered the paleontologist’s dig shown at the beginning of the movie based on the late Michael Crichton’s novel.

The museum calls it the Dinosaur Dig. The dig was in storage off and on until about a year and half ago. Frank Hein said they didn’t publicize it, instead they told the children as they climbed in to brush off the dinasaur on the former movie set.

Now that Jurassic World has made box office history, the museum is enjoying its moment in the Jurassic spotlight.

They hope to receive a summertime attendance boost from all the publicity.

Children interested in fossils have plenty to see at the museum. There is a replica baby blue whale skeleton at the entrance, and a Columbian Mammoth and Giant Toothed Bird in the Paleo Hall. There is also a visiting Megalodon exhibit showing the largest shark that ever lived.

On July 25, visitors are invited to the Colossal Fossil Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hein said he doesn’t think filmmaker Steven Spielberg has visited, but he is invited.

For more information, go to www.sbnature.org