Wollaton Hall Natural Science Museum will be closing temporarily to the public from Monday 5 June 2017 to allow the Dinosaurs of China Exhibition to be installed.
The exhibition will run from Saturday 1 July 2017 through until Sunday 29 October 2017 and the Hall will reopen on 12 November once the exhibits have been safely removed. The closure will not affect the day to day operation of the Deer Park or the Stable Block Café and shops on site.
The Dinosaurs of China exhibition is a one-time only world exclusive, which will be coming to the UK for the first and only time this summer.
The exhibition will bring to life the history of how dinosaurs evolved into the birds that live alongside us today and will feature some of the biggest dinosaur skeletons in existence.
Featuring the massive Mamenchisaurus, the tallest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the UK, and the amazing Gigantoraptor, the largest bird-like feathered dinosaur in the world, the 26 exhibits have been hand-picked to take visitors on a journey through time and show how dinosaurs evolved from ground shakers of the past to the birds we see in our gardens today.
As well as 3D skeletons there will be replica and original fossils on display including two type specimens, regarded as the best examples of those species anywhere in the world.
Dinosaurs of China is a collaboration between Nottingham City Council and the University of Nottingham who have worked closely with the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing and the Long Hao Institute of Geology and Paleontology Inner Mongolia.
The ground-breaking Dinosaurs of China exhibition, is supported by respected TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham who will attend the press and launch events as well as the VIP opening day on 1 July.
Nigel Hawkins – Head of Culture and Libraries said: “To house such an ambitious exhibition with such fragile exhibits as those for Dinosaurs of China is a major undertaking. The Mamenchisaurus, for instance is the whole height of the hall. We had to ensure the public and the exhibits would be safe during installation. We are closing for the shortest period possible and I’m sure visitors to Dinosaurs of China will see why this had to happen. In the meantime, I would urge the public to continue to enjoy the wonderful parkland and café facilities which will remain open.”
Information for editors
Dinosaurs of China is a one-time only world exclusive exhibition of dinosaurs, which will be coming to the UK for the first and only time this summer. Taking place from 1 July to 29 October 2017, the event will be held at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham and University of Nottingham’s public art centre, Lakeside Arts and will be the only time that visitors can see this vast selection of fossils and skeletons outside of Asia.