Events

Published on May 1st, 2022 | by Andrew Bistak

TRICERATOPS: FATE OF THE DINOSAURS REVIEW @melbournemuseum

TRICERATOPS: FATE OF THE DINOSAURS REVIEW @melbournemuseum Andrew Bistak
Score

Summary: TRICERATOPS: FATE OF THE DINOSAURS is the must see Melbourne Museum exhibit of the year!

5

Breath-taking!


The Melbourne Museum now has a new resident with Horridus, a 67-million year old Triceratop dinosaur from the Cretaceous period whose skeleton has been meticulously pieced back together and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. This near perfect specimen is 85% complete with 266 bones and is a true “wow” moment when you first lay your eyes on the skeleton with its bony frill and three horns… prepare to step back in time!

Needless to say, the new exhibition at the Melbourne Museum, Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs is a true celebration of this ancient creature and it goes into stunning detail on how this formidable herbivorous animal lived, including its environment and what made the triceratops so unique in the dinosaur kingdom. Besides being one of the world’s most complete Triceratops fossils, another amazing highlight of this skeleton are the actual skin impressions and mineralised tendons which adds a layer of realism to this majestic creature that once roamed the Earth.



Supporting the majestic skeleton of Horridus is the presentation that surrounds this dinosaur and when you enter this exhibition, it’s almost like you are stepping back 67-million years courtesy of the projected images on the wall which recreate the Cretaceous period perfectly. Additionally, lighting plays an important role in this exhibition and its dark ambience really embraces the presentation, especially when you first lay eyes on Horridus as you feel the powerful presence of this dinosaur.



The information presented is littered throughout the exhibition and best of all, it is not too inundating as you learn all the facts about the triceratops, including the devastating asteroid which drove 75% of Earth’s species to extinction that is highlighted by a larger than life display which is quite eerie courtesy of its clever lighting and colours. Another highlight are the interactive stations that show key anatomy of this dinosaur such as its tiny brain or its powerful jaw. You even learn about the process of fossilisation and what makes this skeleton so unique.


Further, the exhibition spans across to two levels, including giving the visitor a unique bird’s eye view of Horridus. Speaking of birds, the exhibition ends with an area about birds, the modern ancestors of dinosaurs that perfectly finishes the information-telling of Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs.


Final Thoughts?

Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs is a must see exhibition at the Melbourne Museum and while it is a permanent display as part of the State Collection, you need to see it in its ‘natural’ environment with all the spectacular information and effects surrounding it.

Recommended!

For more information, please visit https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/triceratops-fate-of-the-dinosaurs/

Official Gallery


About the Author

When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.



Back to Top ↑