The Natural History Museum is a guaranteed, thrilling day out with children, but the new Titanosaur Exhibition makes it even more fascinating for young visitors.
Citizen Enfant’s experience of the month takes you to meet the the most complete and biggest dinosaur discovered and ever to walk the earth in a spectacular display of prehistoric life.
What is the Titanosaurus exhibition?
Since arriving at its new London home earlier this month, Patagotitan mayorum, to use it’s official name, has been a sell-out attraction. Chronicling the life of the biggest dinosaur to ever have walked the earth, this display is the only one of its kind in the world, packed with fascinating finds and facts. From the discovery of a collection of enormous bones in Argentina and the excavation of the site, to the giant creature’s day to day life and the world in which it lived, this is a truly outstanding snapshot of the prehistoric world.
When you arrive at the entrance inside the red zone of the museum you are guided through the significance of this animal’s discovery and how it has expanded our knowledge of the era. With interactive games for children to play, including guiding on-screen baby dinosaurs safely away from predators to other hands-on displays where you can see what these giants ate and how they digested their food, it’s all geared to really engaging young minds.
Some artefacts are in cases, but there are replica bones to touch and feel alongside plenty of images, timelines and videos that take visitors back thousands of years for a real immersion into the dino world. One of the many notable features is the huge set of scales on the floor that up to several people can stand on at once while it calculates your total weight, telling you what percentage of the Titanosaur’s weight you add up to. Needless to say, even a group of adults don’t even come close. This was a 57-tonne behemoth that would have shaken the ground as it stomped over homelands which now form modern Patagonia. A vast structure at 37 metres long, and 5 metres in height, significantly larger than the museum’s most famous dinosaur, Dippy the diplodocus, previously in situ.
This is the first time this dinosaur has been displayed in Europe and will remain in residence at the Natural History Museum until January 2024.
Who is the experience for?
This exhibition is for everyone. Little ones will be wowed by the dramatic visual display, while older visitors will enjoy taking time to read the in-depth information and beautiful illustrations around the exhibition.
Take time to explore the rest of the Natural History Museum on your trip. It’s a phenomenal resource packed with world class exhibits, covering everything from space and the environment to animals and fossils. If it’s dinosaurs your kids are most excited to see, head to the museum’s permanent prehistoric exhibition with its scarily life-like animatronic T-rex. You may have to remind little ones that it’s not actually real!
The Highlights
The exhibition is laid out to gradually guide visitors to the final, and breathtaking installation in the central hall – the fully formed skeleton of the Titanosaur. It’s hard to fully grasp the size of this giant until you are standing underneath its gargantuan frame. Children will love winding in and out between its huge legs and examining its massive tale. Take your time to explore this time with the opportunity to take plenty of pictures.
What To Wear
Comfy shoes are a must for walking around the vast museum. Don’t wear too many layers – it’s warm inside and you will end up carrying excess jackets and sweaters. Bring a water bottle, but don’t worry about snacks as there are plenty of great cafes inside selling nutritious food that kids will enjoy.
Where is it?
The Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London.
Any Questions or Tips to add?