Unique T. rex exhibit roars into Phoenix for global debut this month
Nov 7, 2019, 2:00 PM | Updated: 3:08 pm
(IMG Photo)
(IMG Photo)
PHOENIX – She’s 40 feet long, 12 feet tall and 66 million years old, and she’s ready to conquer the planet.
First stop: Phoenix.
“Victoria the T. rex,” an interactive exhibition of one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever recovered, will make its global debut Nov. 17 at the Arizona Science Center.
The display will continue in Phoenix until May 25, 2020, for the first leg of a five-year world tour.
“This is one of the most significant paleontological discoveries in decades and to have the exhibit premiere at Arizona Science Center is a privilege for our organization, our members and our community,” Chevy Humphrey, the downtown museum’s president and CEO, said in a press release exhibit was announced in September.
“The exhibition flawlessly combines science and storytelling while offering an unprecedented look into Victoria’s story and life 66 million years ago.”
Victoria’s massive skull was at Phoenix City Hall for several hours Thursday for selfie opportunities.
“As mayor, I have had the opportunity to do some pretty amazing things during my first eight months in office but can honestly say welcoming a 66-million year old T. rex fossil to Phoenix is among the coolest,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in a press release.
Researchers found the dinosaur’s remains outside Faith, South Dakota, in 2013 and transported them over an eight-month period to a British Columbia lab for restoration.
Victoria’s recovered skeleton consists of 199 bones. Only one other T. rex specimen on record is more complete.
Paleontologists who have studied Victoria believe she lived 18-25 years, not quite to full size, and died from a mouth infection that resulted from the bite of another T. rex.
In addition to the skeleton, the traveling exhibition will feature immersive activities and 3D animation designed to entertain and educate about Victoria’s life and Cretaceous period environment.
The exhibit will be open during the museum’s regular hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
Timed-entry tickets are available online or at the door for $11.95 plus the regular museum entry fee.
Want to be among Victoria’s first visitors? A world premiere party will be held Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Timed-entry tickets for that night cost $50 for adults and $25 for children 17 and under. Unlimited VIP access is also available at $500 for adults and $100 kids.
The premiere festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, kids activities, a costume parade and food and drinks.
The Arizona Science Center is located on Washington Street between Fifth and Seventh streets in Heritage Square.
