‘Antarctic Dinosaurs’ Arrives at The Durham Museum
Follow in the steps of Antarctic adventurer-scientists!
Exhibition on Display February 15 – May 4, 2025
Antarctica hasn’t always been icy and barren. 200 million years ago it was a lush, temperate region, home to crocodile-sized amphibians and rhinoceros-sized dinosaurs. Antarctic Dinosaurs will reveal this lost world when the exhibition opens at The Durham Museum on February 15th. See full-scale models of recently discovered dinosaurs, examine real Antarctic fossils and discover the extreme risks scientists take to explore and unearth Antarctica’s past.
Guests will find realistic models of dinosaur species unique to the continent, like the Cryolophosaurus (“frozen crested lizard,” named for the bony ornamentation on its head). Then witness the challenges and extreme conditions of expeditions to the “Lost Continent” to gain an understanding of the tough working conditions for the scientists who must rely on an arsenal of modern power tools to extract fossils from rock and bring these exhilarating discoveries to light.
Visitors can touch a stone housing actual fossils from Antarctica and handle a puzzle that allows them to see how the continents once fit together. There is also a display that demonstrates the science behind the polar lights and midnight sun.
“This spectacular exhibit lets you dive into scientific expeditions, time-travel to the age of dinosaurs and check out some of the coolest dinosaur discoveries — all in one exciting experience,” says Dawn Myron at The Durham Museum. “It’s an adventure visitors will enjoy.”
Dig into dinosaurs even more with The Durham Museum’s special programming related to the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition. “From games and guest speakers to exciting science demonstrations, there’s something for all ages to enjoy while learning about these incredible prehistoric creatures,” said Myron.
Antarctic Dinosaurs will be presented with bilingual text in English and Spanish and will run until May 4, 2025.
Exhibit admission is free for museum members and children ages 2 and under. Non-member admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military/veterans and $8 for children ages 3-12 (taxes not included).
Typically closed on Mondays, The Durham Museum and this exhibition will be open on Monday, February 17th for Presidents Day, 10AM-4PM. For full museum hours, please visit DurhamMuseum.org/hours.
Antarctic Dinosaurs was developed by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC; and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund.
This exhibit is supported locally by Mutual of Omaha; Valmont Industries; Kiewit Companies Foundation; Parker Family Foundation; Douglas County, Nebraska; Claire M. Hubbard Foundation; Howard and Rhonda Hawks; and The Durham Society. Media support provided by KETV.
Related Programming
Antarctic Dinosaurs Member Preview: Dinos & Donuts
Opening day! Saturday, February 15, 8-10AM
Museum members, join us for breakfast! Sign up for a spot exclusively for members and enjoy complimentary donuts or cereal bar in the Swanson Gallery, then see Antarctic Dinosaurs before it opens to the public! Registration for the member preview is required, and spots are filling up fast. For questions, please contact the Membership department at 402-444-5071 x521.
Antarctic Dinosaurs “We Love Dinosaurs” Party
Opening day! Saturday, February 15, 10AM-2PM
Attention all dinosaur-loving families: this party is for you! This fun event will include dinosaur-themed trivia, bingo and crafts plus a visit by special guest Dinosaur Ranger Anthony from Stomp Chomp Roar. Activities are geared toward preschool through third-grade students and families, while the exhibit is an exciting adventure for all ages. With our party scheduled just after Valentine’s Day, dinosaur enthusiasts are encouraged to dress in either dinosaur or Valentine’s-themed attire. The museum can’t wait to celebrate with roaring-good family fun!
Prehistoric Playground
Daily, February 15 – May 4
Are you bringing the little ones to The Durham Museum to see Antarctic Dinosaurs? Add some “dino” fun at our Prehistoric Playground located near the exhibition exit. Children will enjoy wobbling on volcanic chairs, walking on dino feet stilts, stomping down the dinosaur balance beam and more gross motor skill activities.
Stomp, Chomp Saturday Series
Saturdays, February 22-March 29, 10AM-2PM
Gather the whole family for dinosaur-themed family fun! Enjoy crafts and games throughout the day. From 10AM-Noon, meet Dinosaur Ranger Anthony from Stomp Chomp Roar. At 1PM join a special tour of Antarctic Dinosaurs full of fun dino facts.
Spring into STEAM
Spend spring break at The Durham!
Tuesdays, March 4-25 and April 8, 10:30AM-12:30PM
Looking for an exciting spring break activity? Look no further than Tuesdays at The Durham Museum’s Platform, our STEAM-based play space!
- 10:30AM – Weather-related science experiments with KETV’s Caitlin Harvey. Caitlin will discuss and show examples of volcanoes, meteorites and Ice Age science!
- 11AM – Open science exploration and crafts. What creature do these bones make? Discover for yourself at our magnet wall! Express yourself with some dinosaur art and make fossils to take home.
- 11:30AM-12:30PM – Beat the Dinosaur Expert Dino Trivia! Test your dino knowledge as we engage in a fun group dinosaur trivia game.
Host a dino-mite birthday party!
Do you have a young paleontologist celebrating a big birthday? Book their party at The Durham Museum during our Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition. For party packages and booking details, visit DurhamMuseum.org/birthdays.
Beyond the Ice: Unearthing Antarctic Dinosaurs lecture,
featuring guest speakers Dr. Nathan Smith and Dr. Ashley Poust
Monday, March 31, 5-8PM – 5PM Social Hour, 6:30PM Presentation
Today, Antarctica sits icy, empty and cold. But there was a time when it was covered in lush forests, plants… and dinosaurs! How could such an icy and desolate landmass have been a warm habitat for some of Earth’s biggest creatures?
On Monday, March 31, learn about the unique challenges and discoveries of paleontology in Antarctica. We’ll be joined by Dr. Nathan Smith — known as the “Polar Explorer” — from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles’ Dinosaur Institute and co-curator of the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibition, along with Dr. Ashley Poust, paleontologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Morrill Hall.
Social hour includes light hors d’oeuvres (while supplies last), a cash bar and a chance to view the exhibition. Regular museum admission applies, free for members. Advanced registration is required. Register online at DurhamMuseum.org/dinosaurs, by email at reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or by phone at 402-444-5071.
