MNS Unveils a New Dynasty of Dinosaurs

Chinasaurs Exhibit and Sea Rex IMAX® Film Open May 26 for short summer run at Museum of Nature & Science

DALLAS, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Museum of Nature & Science is launching a double dinosaur deal that offers a comprehensive look at the Mesozoic Era, through the opening of a new dinosaur exhibit, Chinasaurs, and accompanying IMAX® film, Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World.  Both open May 26 at the Museum's Fair Park location and will run until September 5.

This summer at the Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park the intrigue of the prehistoric past collides with the mysticism of the Far East in an exciting new dinosaur experience, Chinasaurs.  The latest dinosaur discoveries, the newest species and the most-recent evolutionary theories all 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.

The Museum is pairing Chinasaurs with the 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.  

CONTACT: Jennifer Whitus, [email protected], +1-214-428-5555

SOURCE Museum of Nature & Science