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MNS Unveils a New Dynasty of DinosaursChinasaurs Exhibit and Sea Rex IMAX® Film Open May 26 for

short summer run at Museum of Nature & Science

DALLAS (May 26, 2011) – The Museum of Nature & Science is launching a double

dinosaur deal that offers a comprehensive look at the Mesozoic Era, through the opening

of a new dinosaur exhibit, Chinasaurs, and accompanying IMAX® film, Sea Rex:

Journey to a Prehistoric World. Both open May 26 at the Museum’s Fair Park location

and will run until September 5.

This summer at the Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park the intrigue of the

prehistoric past collides with the mysticism of the Far East in an exciting new dinosaur

experience, Chinasaurs. The latest dinosaur discoveries, the newest species and the

most-recent evolutionary theories all come from China, and they are celebrated in

Chinasaurs’ interactive displays. Chinasaurs focuses on recent, thought-provoking

discoveries from China, the current “hot spot” in the field of paleontology. Dinosaurs

like T.rex and Triceratops are household names, but their Asian dino-cousins like

Mamenchisaurus and Jingshanosaurus are just as scientifically fascinating and important,

as well as more recently-identified.

“It’s actually the discoveries made in China that establish the exciting new links

between dinosaurs and birds – several feathered dinosaur species were recovered and

cont.

Chinasaurs, page 2

identified during digs in the Far East,” says Dr. Tony Fiorillo, curator of Earth sciences

and chief paleontologist for the Museum. “Over the last few decades the study of

Chinese dinosaurs has skyrocketed. The reasons for escalation in global stature stem

from a commitment by the government to investigate vast regions of previously

unexplored rocks in China, combined with discoveries of exquisitely preserved dinosaur

remains.”

These remains are painstakingly recreated in Chinasaurs through more than 20 full-

scale dinosaur skeletons – up to 42 feet long – and fossilized dinosaur nests and eggs. In

addition, five animatronic Chinasaurs bring the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods

to life. Visitors will meet Mamenchisaurus, the longest-necked dinosaur ever

discovered, the 42-foot-long Jingshanosaurus and the spike-backed Tuojiangosaurus

among many others.

“This is a unique chance to simultaneously experience another culture and another

time,” says Paul Vinson, director of exhibits at MNS. “With Chinasaurs, you’ll

experience whole new breeds of dinosaurs that have new things to teach us and beautiful,

exotic new names.”

The Museum is pairing Chinasaurs with the IMAX® film, Sea Rex: Journey to a

Prehistoric World, to introduce visitors to the Chinasaurs’ ocean-dwelling counterparts.

This Double Dino Package offers a more complete look at life in the Mesozoic Era, and

offers price reduction when tickets for both shows are purchased together.

Sea Rex takes place during a tour of a modern-day aquatic center. Soon the movie

whisks audiences back through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to discover

creatures like the powerful Liopleurodon, the long-necked Elasmosaurus, the “eye-

lizard” Ophthalmosaurus, the ferocious Prognathodon and the massive Shonisaurus.

Along with the Double Dino Package, the Museum of Nature & Science will offer

membership specials, thematic birthday parties and an after-hours, adults-only Beer &

Bones Chinese-style party on June 16 to celebrate the landmark display.

cont.

Chinasaurs, page 3

Chinasaurs is a traveling exhibit that will be on display in the MNS Science

Building at 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park from May 26, 2011 through September 5,

2011. Admission to the exhibit requires an additional fee, but covers all MNS exhibits

and galleries. MNS members receive reduced admission prices. Chinasaurs admission

is $15 for adults (18-61); $14 for seniors (62+) and students (12-17); $12 for children (2-

11). Admission for MNS members of all ages is $1. Children under 2 are admitted free.

Sea Rex and all other IMAX® films also require separate ticket purchases. Tickets

for the TI Founders’ IMAX® Theater are $7 for Adults and $6 for Students, Seniors, and

Children ages 2-11; Children under 2 are free; Museum members receive a $1 discount

on all IMAX® tickets.

By pairing both the exhibit and film together, Museum-goers can save money as they

experience the full reach of MNS’ prehistoric adventures. The non-member cost for the

Double Dino Deal is $21 for adults 18-61, $17 for children 2-11 and $19 for both

students (12-17) and seniors (62+). Members have access to even greater savings on the

Double Dino Deal, paying only $9 for adults and $8 for children, students and seniors.

Members are also eligible for special advance showings and exclusive events.

The Museum is also offering a Chinasaurs membership special. Join, upgrade or

renew a Family or Family Plus membership during Chinasaurs, and receive free

dinosaur visors (while supplies last), free passes to Chinasaurs, and exclusive offers for

dinosaur-themed birthday parties. Offers vary based on level of membership. But, like

all members, those who join during Chinasaurs will enjoy free admission to the museum

general exhibits, guest passes to the IMAX® and Planetarium shows, access to special

member-only events and discounts on traveling exhibits.

Museum-goers can save time and avoid lines by buying advance tickets online at

natureandscience.org. Tickets are also available at any MNS box office during extended

summer Museum hours May 28-September 5: Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

and Sunday noon - 6 p.m. Further information is available by calling 214-428-5555 or

visiting the Museum online at www.natureandscience.org.

###About the Museum of Nature & ScienceThe Museum of Nature & Science – the result of a unique merger in 2006 between the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place and the Dallas Children's Museum – is an AAM- accredited non-profit educational organization located in Dallas's Fair Park. In support of its mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the museum delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor experiences through its education, exhibition, and research and collections programming for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. The facility also includes the TI Founders IMAX® Theater and a cutting-edge digital planetarium. The Museum of Nature & Science is supported in part by funds from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, the Texas Commission on the Arts and HP. The Museum of Nature & Science also is building a new $185-million museum on a 4.7-acre site in Victory Park to complement the Fair Park facilities. To learn more about the Museum of Nature & Science, please visit natureandscience.org.