Dippy the Dinosaur
(Picture: Getty Images)It has survived the Blitz and the attentions of millions of tourists and now Dippy the Dinosaur is coming home.
The 26-metre-long replica Diplodocus was a star attraction at the Natural History Museum for more than a century before it was dismantled five years ago to embark on a UK-wide tour.
It will now go on show in its Kensington home from May 27 until December in a new installation in the Waterhouse Gallery featuring the thoughts of some of the two million people who saw it on tour and their reflections on their local environment.
Museum Director Dr Doug Gurr said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dippy back to London and the Natural History Museum. Dippy has been a treasured part of the collection since 1905 and in that time has inspired countless people to think about nature.
“Biodiversity is under threat all over the UK and we hope this new installation reflecting on what Dippy saw whilst on tour will encourage people to be excited about the natural world and therefore work to protect it for the benefit of both people and planet.”
Dippy is a plaster cast replica of the bones of a real dinosaur unearthed in Wyoming around the turn of the century which is on show in Pittsburgh. It was paid for by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and sent to the UK in 36 crates on board a steam boat where it became an immediate hit at the museum.
It has been displayed in different rooms including the Reptiles gallery, Hintze Hall and even in the basement where it was sheltered during second world war bombing raids.
It took pride of place in the Hintze Hall from 1979 to 2017 before being replaced by Hope – the enormous blue whale – which now dominates the gallery following in the footsteps of other blockbuster exhibits including a Triceratops and a herd of Elephants who have all greeted visitors to the museum.
Clare Matterson, Executive Director of Engagement, said: “We can’t wait to open the doors on this new installation. We know that Dippy has been missed by both visitors and staff at the Museum so it feels fantastic to have the beloved diplodocus cast back for this very special free temporary installation.
“The installation will be free to visit but you must book tickets and we suggest that people register their interest now so that they can be the first to do so when tickets are made available.
Dippy will be as thrilled to see you as you will be to see the nation’s favourite dinosaur.”
:: To find out more go to Dippy Returns: The nation’s favourite dinosaur | Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk)
