From June 4 to September 18, 2016, miSci will showcase a collection of life-like mechanical dinosaurs, themed hands-on activities, and a special “Dinosaur Prophecy” planetarium show.
Ten giant, animatronic dinosaurs will roar and stomp their way into miSci’s galleries for a three-month visit from June 4 to September 18, 2016. Visitors will be greeted by a flying Pteranodon, a massive T-Rex, gliding sea-going lizards, fearsome predators and prey, gentle giant herbivores and dinosaur mothers tending their broods. There is even a nest full of eggs ready to hatch! In addition to interacting with the animatronic dinosaurs throughout the museum, visitors will learn all about these prehistoric creatures in the dino dig site, fossil rubbing station, and other hands-on discovery areas. The Suits-Bueche Planetarium at miSci will also be launching a special new Dinosaur Prophecy digital show about how dinosaurs lived and died long before their massive extinction event 65 million years ago. Dinosaur Prophecy will be presented daily at 12 and 4 PM beginning June 24th.
“Our 2013 Dinosaurs! exhibit was such a tremendous hit, we were eager to present Return of the Dinosaurs,” said miSci President Mac Sudduth. “It’s a new set of dinosaurs this time, and we expect that visitors of all ages will delight in seeing these creatures and exploring science and natural history at miSci this summer.”
Return of the Dinosaurs at miSci is comprised of computer-controlled creatures with realistic skin, body parts that move, as well as roars and screeches that cause chills! The creatures, designed by Los Angeles-based Kokoro Exhibits, interact with each other in natural-looking environments. Kokoro designs each new animal through consultation with paleontologists at museums and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The company molds each dinosaur’s skin from silicone using a patented process based on existing patterns from fossilized dinosaur skin.
Because scientists are continually gathering new information on prehistoric animals, the models are updated almost every year. To emphasize current views of dinosaurs as sociable, not solitary, some displays such as the Maiasaura exhibit, feature adults and juveniles together. Still, even fossil records can’t reveal all the secrets about these fascinating creatures. As scientifically accurate as Kokoro’s designers have tried to be, there remain many unanswered questions about prehistoric animals. Although scientists can make educated guesses, no one will ever know the color of a dinosaur’s skin or how the dinosaur sounded.
Return of the Dinosaurs is sponsored by Pioneer Bank, Legere Group, and North Eastern Water Jet, Inc. All sponsors were invited to “adopt a dinosaur” – giving it a name and providing for its care throughout the summer. Pioneer Bank adopted both the T-Rex and Triceratops, using the sponsorship to engage its customers and employees in naming contests that resulted in “Buck” the T-Rex and “Penny” the Triceratops. "Pioneer Bank has long supported the mission of miSci, and I couldn't be happier that we're helping to bring this popular exhibit back to Schenectady," said Pioneer Bank President and CEO Tom Amell. "We opened up 'naming rights' to the exhibit's TRex as a fun contest for the public, but we couldn't be more serious about helping miSci educate young minds."
miSci is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. Effective June 4, miSci general admission pricing will be increased to: Children (3-12) $7.50; Seniors (65+) $9; Adults $10.50. General admission includes access to all exhibits including Return of the Dinosaurs. Admission to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium is $5 per show. Dinosaur-themed and other topical summer science classes are available beginning July 11th. Learn more at www.miSci.org.
