NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — Cape Fear Museum of History and Science announces the opening of Dinosaurs Take Flight, our newest traveling exhibition. Dinosaurs are taken to new heights in this elegant exhibition engaging visitors at the intersection of art, science, and history. It is on view now through May 14, 2023.
Dinosaurs Take Flight combines original artwork with fossils, replica skeletons, hands-on activities, and interactive media to tell the amazing story of the evolution of flight. More than 9,000 species of birds walk, fly and swim across the Earth today. From the mighty albatross to the tiniest of hummingbirds, their diversity in shape, size, diet, and habit are hallmarks of their success. But when and how did it all begin? In 1861 a single fossil feather was unearthed in a dusty limestone quarry in southern Germany. That discovery would be among the first to reveal birds’ true origins as the descendants of dinosaurs.
Paleo-artists are unique painters and sculptors who use scientific evidence to create artwork that gives vibrant, colorful life to prehistoric animals and inspires the imagination of young and old alike. In this exhibition, learn how six paleo-artists work to create the life of one very important "missing link" from the fossil record. Archaeopteryx (ahr-kee-OP-tuh-riks) provides a critical bridge between dinosaurs and birds. Starting with the initial discovery in 1861, Archaeopteryx has been an integral part of the discussion of evolution, the origin of birds, and the origin of flight.
“We are excited to open this new exhibition to the public,” stated museum director Wayne LaBar. “Dinosaurs Take Flight excites the sense of wonder we all have about the natural world, and explores the evidence showing that the birds we live amongst are direct descendants of dinosaurs.”
The exhibition features over 50 pieces of original artwork, murals, sculptures, research grade replicas of Archaeopteryx, a collection of real fossils representing German flora and fauna, video interviews, interactive components, and more. This mysterious animal is brought to life by the visions of painters Mark Hallett, Luis V. Rey, Julius Csotonyi, William Stout, and sculptors Gary Staab, and Dennis J. Wilson.
Dinosaurs Take Flight is a traveling exhibition organized by Silver Plume Exhibitions and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is located at 814 Market Street and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Standard admission prices are $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, students, and military with valid ID; $5 for children 6-17; and free for children 5 and under and for museum members. New Hanover County residents’ free day is the first Sunday of each month. Cape Fear Museum is also a proud partner of Museums for All and offers free admission to SNAP benefit recipients when they present an EBT card. More information: www.capefearmuseum.com.
