The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, a new institution in South Jersey for dinosaur lovers, has set its opening date for 29 March.
Part of Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, the new museum will offer an immersive exploration of dinosaurs and other prehistoric species.
The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum spans 44,000 square feet across 123 acres, overlooking a four-acre quarry full of fossils.
A $75 million project, the world-class museum is located just 20 minutes from Philadelphia.
Alongside its exhibits, the museum includes a fossil dig experience, a free-roam virtual reality (VR) adventure, and a dinosaur-themed playground.
“Our goal with the museum is to bring back that childlike sense of wonder and help people feel a deeper connection to the incredible history of our planet,” said Kenneth Lacovara, the museum’s founding executive director.
New museum for dinosaur lovers
“Right here in South Jersey, we’ve preserved millions of years of history in stunning detail, with each fossil telling its own unique story,” he said.
“We want visitors to feel like they’re stepping into the world of dinosaurs and walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference for the future.”
Highlights in the museum include an interactive gallery showcasing the lives of East Coast dinosaurs from 66 million years ago.
Another gallery provides an immersive underwater journey through the depths of the Cretaceous ocean and features a huge 55-foot mosasaur.
Discovery Forest is a nature-themed adventure that explores the planet’s history and ends at the museum’s theatre with screenings of animated films.
Additionally, guests can meet the modern-day relatives of Cretaceous creatures in Critter Cove.
As for the museum’s amenities, guests can enjoy a cafe, retail outlet, outdoor nature trails, Cretaceous gardens, and more.
Venue overlooks research quarry
The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is expected to welcome around 200,000 annual visitors. It’s also predicted to have a $300m economic impact over 10 years.
The museum is sustainably designed, incorporating geothermal and electric systems to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
Images courtesy of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
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