Marvel at large hand painted murals that decorate the UW Geological Museums walls. The artist responsible for painting these murals was legendary Wyoming geologist and early museum curator, Samuel H. “Doc” Knight. During his time as museum curator, which is now over 50 years ago, Knight also constructed a University of Wyoming campus landmark. It was a beautifully crafted copper-plated Tyrannosaurus Rex that stands outside of the museum today. Perfect for a fun group photo!
"Big Al”
“Big Al” is the nickname given to the museum’s display of the most complete Allosaurus Dinosaur fossil ever found. Just slightly smaller than a T-Rex Dinosaur, “Big Al” is around 40 feet long. Closer to 155 millions years ago, this meat eater traveled in packs through Wyoming and would have weighed around 2 tons!
Tyrannosaurs Rex
Have fun examining this 70 million year old display of the largest carnivorous dinosaur in North America, the Tyannosaurus Rex. Folks often refer to the “T-Rex” as the “movie star” dinosaur due to its heightened popularity after being featured in movies such as “The Lost World” (1925) to “Jurassic Park” (1993). Museum goers typically recognize this 7 ton meat eater’s skeleton first and foremost!
Diatryma the “Giant Bird”
This section of UW’s dinosaur exhibit features the Diatryma, a large ground dwelling carnivorous bird-like dinosaur. Some 55 million years ago, this 7-foot tall, and 285 pound, “Giant Bird” called Wyoming its home. The Willwood Formation in North Eastern Wyoming is notorious for producing the most Diatryma fossil excavations in the world.
Triceratops
Wyoming is the only state that has both a state dinosaur and a state fossil. The Triceratops is their state Dinosaur! So, it would only make sense to find a Triceratops dinosaur display as part of your experience at UW’s Geological Museum. The name ‘Triceratops’ comes from the Greek word, with ‘tri’ meaning to describe the 3 large horns on a Triceratops’ dinosaur’s head.
The new Prep Lab as well as working exhibit at the University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum was part of a very recent, very costly renovation. This modern lab is devoted to fossil preparation. There are large windows all around the Prep Lab where museum visitors can witness the patience and concentration required in fossil preparation in action by live scientists. The sliding glass doors invite visitors to ask questions as the scientists work. The museums renovation goal, finding a new way to educate the public, has clearly been achieved through this fabulously modern learning opportunity!