Antarctic Dinosaurs

Trace the footsteps of the explorers who made this dangerous journey a century ago, and join scientists from our Museum and Chicago's Field Museum as they dig for fossils today! Then step through a portal into Antarctica’s past and discover a lush continent full of trees, giant amphibians, and dinosaurs—including the 25-foot-long, "cold-crested killer," Cryolophosaurus.

All content is provided in English and Spanish. Todo el contenido está disponible en inglés y español.

museum installation of full-sized cryolophosaurus replica

The exhibition features four species of dinosaur. This is the predator Cryolophosaurus (“cold crested lizard,” named for the bony ornamentation on its head).

two scientists dig for fossils on mt. kirkpatrick in antarctica

Photo: Phil Currie

Exhibition paleontologists excavate fossils on Mt. Kirkpatrick, Antarctica.

Artist's illustration of Cryolophosaurus ellioti

The skull of a sauropodomorph—a new species of dinosaur from Antarctica

Full-size skeleton of the taniwhasaurus, a marine animal

The cast of a Taniwhasaurus skeleton—a type of carnivorous marine reptile

NHM and Chicago field team stops for a group picture at the Mt. Kirkpatrick dig site

Photo: Phil Currie

Taking a break from digging for Antarctic fossils

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The exhibition features four species of dinosaur. This is the predator Cryolophosaurus (“cold crested lizard,” named for the bony ornamentation on its head).

Exhibition paleontologists excavate fossils on Mt. Kirkpatrick, Antarctica.

Photo: Phil Currie

Artist's illustration of Cryolophosaurus ellioti

The skull of a sauropodomorph—a new species of dinosaur from Antarctica

The cast of a Taniwhasaurus skeleton—a type of carnivorous marine reptile

Taking a break from digging for Antarctic fossils

Photo: Phil Currie

along the way, you'll:

See artifacts from early Antarctic expeditions, including Captain Robert Scott's ill-fated Terra Nova.
Take a virtual ride in a replica LC-130 aircraft as you fly over Antarctica.
Watch as the team excavates fossils and prepares them back at the lab.
Meet 4 new species of dinosaur, all discovered within the last 30 years.

Sensory friendly resources are available for this exhibition. Prepare for your time at the Natural History Museum with our downloadable Social Narrative.

Antarctic Dinosaurs was developed by the Field Museum, Chicago in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Discovery Place – Charlotte, NC, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. Generous support was provided by the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund.