SCI set to open U.S. premiere traveling exhibition "Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family" presented by EMC Insurance Companies

If you think you know T. Rex… Think again! The Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater’s latest traveling exhibition, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the FamiIy, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, will open in downtown Des Moines on Saturday, September 30.

Although the tyrannosaur family is best known for the mighty T. rex, tyrannosaurs came in all shapes and sizes, from all over the globe. Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family explores the 100-million-year history of these diverse dinosaurs and their lasting impact on our planet. Fossils, cast skeletons, interactive exhibit components, immersive activities and a hands-on dig pit offer visitors a look at some of the greatest discoveries in paleontology.

Key themes include:

• What is a tyrannosaur? Discover how tyrannosaurs fit into the dinosaur family tree and explore the key features that define a tyrannosaur.
• Meet the Family. Visitors will be immersed in a large-scale projection experience and see how tyrannosaurs came in a range of sizes and shapes.
• Explore the Family. Discover how natural selection, continental drift and climate change facilitated tyrannosaur transformation from carnivores little bigger than humans to massive top predators.
• T. rex – The Ultimate. Learn what makes T. rex one of the most formidable predators that ever lived… and be ready for a few surprises.
• Tyrannosaurs – The Legacy. Tyrannosaurs lived for 100 million years and were some of the largest and most successful predators ever. Despite their final demise during one of Earth’s biggest mass extinction events, tyrannosaurs live on – in our imagination, our culture and in their bird cousins in our backyards.

Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family was developed by the Australian Museum and is toured internationally by Flying Fish. SCI will host the U.S. premiere exhibition September 30, 2017, through April 22, 2018, thanks in part to support from Presenting Sponsor EMC Insurance Companies and Exhibit Partner Nationwide.

Exhibition information is available at www.sciowa.org/dinosaurs

Related Programming and Events

To enhance the Tyrannosaurs exhibit, SCI will host a variety of events and opportunities to further engage and inspire visitors of all ages:

• Free Preview Event: Friday, September 29
  Construction of the U.S. premiere exhibit, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, is ahead of schedule and, thanks to funding from Voya, SCI will open the exhibit a day early and offer free admission on Friday, September 29, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• IMAX documentary: Dinosaurs Alive!
  Narrated by Michael Douglas, this 40-minute film explores the lives of paleontologists and dinosaurs alike. Realistic and scientifically accurate computer generated animation brings dinosaurs back to life… in a big way! Details at www.sciowa.org/imaxshowtimes

Early Childhood Programming

• Toddler Dig
  Every Wednesday throughout the run of the exhibit, the dig pig will be reserved for toddlers from 10:00-10:30 am. A hands-on, guided experience will be led by an SCI Programs Team member, followed by Science Storytime at 10:30 am. Details at www.sciowa.org/dinosaurs
  
• Pint Size Science & Pint Size Science: Toddler Edition
  This program for young explorers will feature dinosaur-themed topics in October (Dino Bites) and March (“Chomposaurus”). Pint Size Science classes are designed for children ages 4-6, and the Toddler Edition classes are for children ages 22 months-3 years. Registration information available at www.sciowa.org/pintsizescience

Youth Programming

• Jr. Paleontologist
  SCI is recruiting a team of 2nd-5th graders to share their love of dinosaurs. Participants will work with SCI’s Programs Team to develop and deliver hands-on demos to the public. Two cohorts will begin in November and February. Details at www.sciowa.org/dinosaurs
  
• Winter Camps
  SCI Winter Camps for grades Pre-K through 8th grade will offer dinosaur-themed experiences during day camps on December 27, 28, 29 and January 2. Details at www.sciowa.org/camps

Adult Programming

• Mixology Night
  SCI’s monthly 21 plus night features combines music, science and adult beverages on the first Friday of every month. The event on October 6 is titled “Prehistoric Happy Hour” and will feature a presentation by University of Iowa professor Christopher A. Brochu. Tickets to Mixology Night are $7 per person; free for SCI members. Details at www.sciowa.org/mixology
  
• Café Scientifique
  Held on the second Tuesday of each month, Café Scientifique events engage adult and young adult audiences in current science topics. Events in October and November will feature Iowa paleontologists. Details at www.sciowa.org/cafesci

Visiting Information

Admission to the Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family exhibition will be included with SCI general admission during its run from September 30, 2017, to April 22, 2018. Dinosaurs Alive! tickets can be purchased separately, or combo tickets are available to experience Tyrannosaurs, Dinosaurs Alive! and SCI’s permanent exhibits together at a discounted price. For a complete list of prices and showtimes, call 515-274-6868 or visit www.sciowa.org.