News Summary
The Grand Rapids Public Museum will host the exhibit ‘Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family’ from October 2023 to April 2026, featuring a remarkable 3D model of the Klapp Family Mastodon and showcasing ‘Scotty,’ a top T. rex specimen. Along with interactive displays, the museum will offer special events to engage visitors and enhance learning about paleontology and local discoveries.
Grand Rapids is set to welcome the much-anticipated exhibit, “Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family,” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), starting on October 11, 2023, and will continue until April 26, 2026. This exhibit not only showcases a remarkable full 3D model of the Klapp Family Mastodon but also underscores the significance of local discoveries in the context of global paleontological stories.
The Klapp Family Mastodon skeleton, discovered in 2022 just north of Kent City, Michigan, is noted as one of the most complete mastodon remains ever found, with 70% of the skeleton preserved. The Klapp family generously donated these remains to the GRPM, ensuring that future generations can engage with and learn about this notable Ice Age creature.
Alongside the Klapp Family Mastodon, the exhibit features “Scotty,” which is widely regarded as one of the largest and most complete T. rex specimens known to date. The collaboration of these two icons emphasizes the overarching narrative of evolution and brings to the forefront the importance of local scientific efforts and discoveries in understanding Earth’s biography.
The exhibit, produced by the Australian Museum and toured by Evergreen Exhibitions, integrates advanced scientific themes paired with interactive displays designed to engage visitors of all ages in the evolution of tyrannosaurs. Notable elements within the exhibit include 3D scans, digital screens with augmented reality, and hands-on fossil casts that allow visitors to experience paleontology in a dynamic manner.
In an effort to enhance visitor engagement, GRPM has organized a series of special events leading up to and during the exhibit’s opening. A member preview night is scheduled for October 10, 2023, offering themed activities and exclusive early access. Additionally, a Tyrannosaurs Trivia Night will take place on October 16, inviting participants to test their knowledge about paleontology and popular culture. On October 22, an Educator Night will equip educators with resources to incorporate the exhibit into their curriculum, providing free supplementary materials and a raffle for participants.
GRPM’s initiatives aim to nurture curiosity and foster a deeper engagement with science among community members and visitors regardless of age. The institution is committed to creating sensory-inclusive experiences to cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the wonders of natural history.
The Klapp Family Mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex both serve as significant milestones in the collective understanding of Earth’s biological and geological history. Encounters with exhibits like Scotty can instill a profound sense of connection and appreciation for the geological timeline, prompting reflections on the past and the journey of life on Earth.
The unveiling of “Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family” not only showcases extraordinary discoveries but intertwines them with local histories, offering a unique educational experience that highlights the synergy between global science and regional narratives.
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Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: Grand Rapids Public Museum Opens Tyrannosaurs Exhibit
- MLive: Massive T-Rex Exhibit Stomping into Grand Rapids This October
- Fox 17 Online: Meet the Family – Grand Rapids Public Museum’s New Exhibit
- WGRD: GRPM Mastodon Exhibit
- GRKids: Dinosaur Museums, Parks, and Exhibits in Michigan
- Wikipedia: Paleontology
- Google Search: Dinosaur Exhibits
- Google Scholar: Paleontology Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Paleontology
- Google News: Dinosaur Museum
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
