The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, a new experience for dinosaur lovers, has opened in Glassboro, New Jersey.
Part of Rowan University, the 44-square-foot space offers an immersive exploration of dinosaurs and other prehistoric species.
A $75 million project, the world-class museum is located just 20 minutes from Philadelphia.
Situated on top of a 66 million-year-old fossil deposit, it provides hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits, and real fossil digs in an active research quarry.
“This museum is about more than fossils; it’s about sparking curiosity, igniting wonder, and giving people of all ages the chance to experience the thrill of uncovering the past,” said Kenneth Lacovara, founding executive director.
“We can’t wait to see the joy on their faces as they dig into history – literally.”
Highlights in the new museum include a fossil scavenger hunt, free-roaming VR, and a paleontology-themed playground built with sustainable materials that brings the Cretaceous period to life.
Interactive experiences, hands-on fossil digs
The museum’s Quarry Grounds Café is perched atop the fossil-rich quarry, while a gift shop is inspired by Charles Darwin and features a space for children based on real photos of the naturist and geologist’s study.
As for exhibits, one interactive gallery showcases 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.
Beyond the museum’s walls, guests can enjoy nature trails across fossil-rich landscapes.
Lacovara told blooloop in a recent interview: “No matter who you are, you’ll walk away having learned something, having been inspired, and having had a truly memorable experience.”
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.
Sustainably designed, the museum incorporates geothermal and electric systems to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
kubik maltbie was responsible for all exhibit fabrication, installation, and AV hardware integration at the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
Images courtesy of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
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