Dinosaur Hall

Dinosaurs were a specialized group of land reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, between 252 million and 66 million years ago. In the Jane G. Pisano Dinosaur Hall, you can dig into the enduring mysteries of these iconic animals and their ancient world with more than 300 fossils and 20 mounted skeletons on display. Discover how our understanding of these creatures continues to evolve—thanks to the research happening at the Museum every day.

It Starts With a Triceratops

Gina Cholick

A stunning, three-horned behemoth welcomes guests to the Hall–and things just get bigger from there. From long-necked titans to the smallest dinosaur in North America, meet the Mesozoic.

We Call Her Polly

Visitors to the Natural History Museum can see the pregnant plesiosaur on display in the Dinosaur Hall. The specimen is 15.5 feet wide and 8 feet tall. It is the only pregnant plesiosaur fossil ever discovered.

Incredible animals of all kinds evolved alongside dinosaurs. See the fossilized remains of gargantuan reptiles that stalked the prehistoric oceans, along with surprising facts on how they lived their lives.

Our T. rex Trio

The stunning centerpiece of the second gallery is the Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, featuring a baby, juvenile, and sub-adult T. rex. It's the only series of its kind in the world!

The only display of its kind in the world, our T. rex growth series captures a baby, juvenile and sub-adult alongside other prehistoric predators.

Mosasaur Stare Down

Gina Cholick

Step up to the Mezzanine Level and get a sauropod-eye-view of the giant and not-so-giant animals that prowled, swam and flew through the
Mesozoic. Sea reptiles, like mosasaurs, also lived at this time, but are not considered dinosaurs since they did not walk on land!