Springfield, Mass. – The Springfield Science Museum marked a milestone on March 13, 2026, with the opening of its permanent exhibit “Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs.” Housed in a revamped 1,400-square-foot gallery in Tolman Hall, the display draws crowds by illuminating the deep evolutionary bonds between prehistoric reptiles and contemporary creatures like birds and crocodiles. This bilingual presentation in English and Spanish targets families and learners of all ages, transforming complex science into accessible adventures.
Birds and Crocs: Kin to Ancient Giants
Birds and Crocs: Kin to Ancient Giants (Image Credits: Flickr)
Archosaurs represent a diverse clade that once dominated Earth, encompassing dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and their living descendants: birds and crocodilians. The exhibit challenges the notion of total extinction by showcasing shared traits, such as upright postures and similar skeletal structures, that persist today. Visitors quickly grasp how a backyard sparrow carries the legacy of Tyrannosaurus rex.
Jenny Powers, the museum’s director of science, highlighted the appeal during preparations. “Dinosaurs are one of the most popular topics at Springfield Museums,” she said. “This exhibit illustrates the process of evolution while highlighting two other important reptile families.” Powers also noted the inclusion of a long-requested Velociraptor feature, blending visitor feedback with educational depth.
Four Charismatic Guides Steer the Journey
The exhibit employs four animated characters to narrate the archosaur saga, making the science engaging for young explorers. Each figure anchors a section filled with vivid displays and interactives.
- Hoot, Keeper of the Flock: Introduces birds as surviving dinosaurs through nests, eggs, and rotating bird specimens.
- Spike, Your Prehistoric Pal: Delves into feathered dinosaurs and flight’s origins with sculpted models and tactile elements.
- Snap, King of the Crocs: Traces crocodilians from massive Sarcosuchus to modern alligators via climbable sculptures and skull replicas.
- Breezy, Queen of the Skies: Spotlights pterosaurs with a towering Quetzalcoatlus silhouette, suspended Pteranodon, and nesting scenes against a volcanic backdrop.
Daniel Augustino, the aquarium curator who co-curated the space, emphasized these links. “Crocodiles would be more closely related to birds than to snakes and lizards,” he explained. “This exhibit really highlights all those relationships and shared characteristics.”
Hands-On Thrills in an Immersive World
Beyond storytelling, the gallery brims with tactile opportunities. Children scale a life-size alligator sculpture, handle replica skulls, and compare prehistoric silhouettes to modern forms. Suspended models and scenic backdrops create a sense of soaring through ancient skies or prowling riverbanks.
Rotating displays ensure fresh visits, while the bilingual labels broaden accessibility. Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums, celebrated the launch. “If you saw birds coming into the museum today, you technically saw a dinosaur,” she told attendees at the ribbon-cutting. Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, state tourism grants, and private donors like Harry and Lynne Ahern made it possible.
Launching a Dinosaur Hall Overhaul
This exhibit serves as the opening chapter in a ambitious refresh of the museum’s dinosaur offerings. Just down the hall stands Tyra, a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus rex replica installed in 1975, which will soon yield to advanced animatronics. Plans include exterior sculptures, an interactive second-level deck, and STEM-aligned features tied to local geology.
The museums aim to raise $5.58 million for these upgrades, positioning the site as New England’s top dinosaur destination. Powers urged ongoing support: “Keep coming back. Watch this space. It’s only going to get better.” Lawmakers like Congressman Richard Neal and State Senator Adam Gomez attended the debut, underscoring community investment.
The Springfield Museums continue to evolve their science programming, fostering curiosity across generations. As archosaurs remind us, evolution’s story unfolds endlessly. Ready to spot a dinosaur on your next walk? Visit the exhibit at the Springfield Science Museum and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Key Takeaways
- Archosaurs unite dinosaurs, pterosaurs, birds, and crocs under one evolutionary umbrella.
- Four character guides make learning interactive and memorable for families.
- This permanent display kicks off multimillion-dollar upgrades to Dinosaur Hall.
