Exploring the Enigma of Dueling Dinosaurs: A Look Inside the World’s First Open Access Paleontology Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh is set to debut the “Dueling Dinosaurs” exhibit on Saturday, April 27. This cutting-edge exhibit will feature the world’s first open access paleontology lab, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience into the world of dinosaur fossils.

Dr. Lindsay Zanno, head of paleontology at the museum, describes the exhibit as showcasing a predator and prey buried together in one grave at a single moment in time. The preservation of these animals is exceptional, with all their flesh, organs, skin, and muscles intact when they were buried, resulting in perfectly preserved skeletons. Scientists will spend the next four to five years carefully uncovering the fossils, searching for insights into the lives and deaths of these ancient creatures.

Each dinosaur in the exhibit is over 20 feet long, adding to the impressive scale of the project. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to explore hands-on exhibits, including a reptile skull and virtual fossils, providing them with a closer look at the world of paleontology. Zanno hopes that the exhibit will spark children’s interest in science, especially at an age when interest typically wanes. The spacious new lab will serve as a platform for engaging children and adults alike in the wonders of paleontology.

Admission to the museum and the exhibit is free, but visitors are encouraged to obtain timed access tickets to ensure a comfortable experience in the lab. The “Dueling Dinosaurs” exhibit promises to be an exciting and educational experience for all who visit.