By Isaac Nielsen, OMAHA, Neb. – If you’ve ever wondered what Antarctica looked like millions of years ago, you don’t have to travel to the South Pole to find out. From now until May 4, Omaha’s Durham Museum is offering visitors an unprecedented look at the prehistoric past with its latest exhibit, Antarctic Dinosaurs.
This one-of-a-kind exhibit, developed by the Field Museum in Chicago, transports visitors back to a time when Antarctica wasn’t covered in ice but teeming with dinosaurs, lush forests, and prehistoric rivers. The exhibit features real dinosaur fossils excavated from Antarctica, lifelike reconstructions, and interactive elements that allow guests to experience the thrill of scientific discovery firsthand.
A Rare Opportunity to See Original Fossils
One of the standout features of Antarctic Dinosaurs is the inclusion of holotype fossils—the original bones that scientists used to classify and name new dinosaur species. Typically, these rare specimens remain housed in permanent collections, requiring researchers to travel to study them. But for the first time, these holotypes are on the road, giving Omaha visitors a rare opportunity to see them up close.
“As far as uniqueness, this is the only exhibit of its kind that includes the holotypes of the dinosaur fossils—the original bones themselves that were dug out,” said Aidan Cozart, Public Programs Facilitator at the Durham Museum. “Most of the time, you have to physically go to the museum where they’re housed, but these travel with the exhibit.”
Beyond the fossils, the exhibit also explores the science behind Antarctic expeditions. It highlights not just dinosaurs, but the broader scientific research taking place on the frozen continent, including the study of pollen samples, ice cores, and even meteorites.
An Interactive Experience for All Ages
Visitors are not only treated to stunning fossil displays but also immersive, hands-on experiences. The exhibit features interactive touchscreens that allow guests to examine digital scans of fossils and learn about the excavation process. Families can also pose for photos in front of life-sized dinosaur models, making for a memorable visit.
“Guests love to see the dinosaurs and the fossils, as well as the life restorations,” Cozart added. “Some of the interactives have been very popular, like touchscreens where you can work with a scan of a dinosaur fossil.”
For many visitors, the exhibit is as much about education as it is about entertainment. Omaha resident David Kielion said he was drawn to the exhibit to learn more about the prehistoric past. When asked why visitors should check out the exhibit, Kielion said, “Knowledge. If they want to know about the dinosaurs, and how long actually they would have lived millions of years ago… It’s really interesting how long ago they lived.”
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational outing, Antarctic Dinosaurs offers something for everyone. The exhibit runs through May 4 at the Durham Museum. For tickets and more details, visit durhammuseum.org.
For more information about the exhibit check out the full story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwT7sVBONoU
