November 6, 2024
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will become the third site to host the newly-designed exhibition Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic beginning May 24, 2025. The exhibition, produced by Imagine Exhibitions, has only been on display at the Museum of Science and History – Jacksonville and will wrap up its tour at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University before arriving in Dubuque next summer.
Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic transports visitors back to the prehistoric era, uncovering the incredible dinosaurs and other creatures that roamed the frozen landscapes of Alaska millions of years ago. This thrilling exhibition presents a unique look at paleontology, climate science, and the survival of ancient species in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Ice Dinosaurs bring stunning life-size reconstructions, fossils, and multimedia exhibits, inviting visitors to experience these magnificent creatures and learn about the mysteries of the Alaskan Arctic during the age of dinosaurs.
The exhibition features 20 animatronic dinosaurs and 17 static creatures in addition to large, touchable fossils including a T. Rex footprint, Edmontosaurus femur, and more. Through this immersive experience bringing guests back to the Late Cretaceous period in Northern Alaska, Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic unleashes an exciting and adventurous world of paleontology.
Through interactive elements, including hands-on fossil exploration and engaging multimedia displays, all designed to inspire curiosity about the natural world and deepen understanding of prehistoric life, guests experience a rare glimpse into how paleontologists uncover clues about these long-extinct species and what they can tell us about Earth’s ancient past.
Arctic dinosaurs were non-migratory and appear to have been warm-blooded and endothermic, which challenges our understanding of dinosaur physiology, provinciality, and migration. Scientists have recently discovered a new species of dinosaurs, including a new giant species of feathered raptor that sheds its feathers and re-grows them through its life cycle. The challenges of this work not only include those that come with groundbreaking research but also the extreme conditions the Artic Circle presents.
“We are thrilled to bring Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium,” said Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine. “This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to discover the wonders of the prehistoric Arctic and the incredible creatures that lived there.”
While these dinosaurs will make their first appearances to Dubuque, this is not the first time dinosaurs have been at the River Museum. The organization hosted “Dinosaurs: Unearthed” in 2016, one of the more revered traveling exhibits still talked about by guests.
“One of the best aspects about the River Museum is that you will learn something new every time you visit,” said Johanna Talarico, Creative Services Manager at the River Museum. “Our exhibits committee takes great pride in finding exhibits that will fascinate and delight our visitors, and Ice Dinosaurs will be one of those exhibits with the diverse elements it brings and the intriguing story it tells.”
The exhibition will run from May 24, 2025 – September 14, 2025, located on the second floor of the William Woodward Mississippi River Center. The exhibition included in general admission. More information can be found at rivermuseum.org/exhibits.
About Imagine:
Imagine is currently producing over 40 unique exhibitions globally in museums, science centers, zoos, botanical gardens, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues, with millions of people worldwide visiting our exhibitions each year. In addition to developing successful traveling exhibitions, Imagine designs, opens, and operates permanent installations and venues, and consults on building, expanding, and directing museums and attractions. With decades of diverse experience in the museum and entertainment industries, Imagine consistently develops exhibitions that educate and excite while exceeding attendance goals. For more information, visit TheImagineTeam.com.