Posted in Arizona
October 22, 2020
Most People Have Never Heard Of This Fascinating Dinosaur Exhibit At The Arizona Science Center
Museums definitely aren’t just for kids — at least, not when they’re harboring something as cool as what you’ll find at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix. There, you’ll meet Victoria, the world’s largest touring reconstructed Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. If you’ve ever wanted to get up-close-and-personal with a dinosaur, now’s your chance!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
She debuted in November of 2019 and was scheduled to depart earlier this year -- but we're in luck. Due to the unforeseen circumstances 2020 has bestowed upon us, the exhibit has been extended until January 3, 2021!
Her stature is quite impressive, at a whopping 12 feet tall and 40 feet long. She was unearthed near Faith, South Dakota in 2013, and immediately after the discovery, paleontologists began their research (and the tedious process of putting together her 199 bones).
The cause of death is unknown, but one theory is that she had a mouth infection, caused by a bite from another T. rex, which led to sepsis.
The first is a "meet-and-greet" of sorts, which involves getting up-close-and-personal with and taking pictures of her skeleton.
You'll design a hologram of Victoria, compare your hearing and sense of smell to hers, observe how she behaved in her natural habitat, and step back in time to the Cretaceous Period, the era in which she lived. At the end, a gift shop offers all sorts of neat, dino-themed knick-knacks.
The former is held at both 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and only includes Victoria. Tickets are $34.95 for adults, and $27.95 for children ages 3-17. Opt for the self-guided tour and you can enter the museum anytime from 10:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. and follow a predetermined path through all the most highly-rated exhibits (with optional add-ons). Prices vary for this experience, so click here to learn more.
These measures include limiting capacity to 10%, requiring all guests and staff members to wear face coverings, closure on Tuesdays for deep cleaning, physical distancing encouraged, and guided experiences restricted to 10 people per group.
Visit the museum’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
Have you had a chance to meet Victoria yet? If so, we’d love to hear what you thought of the exhibit! Let us know, and check out our previous article for a place where you can see real dinosaur tracks right here in Arizona.
Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
