PERMANENT EXHIBITION
Morian Hall of Paleontology
A Prehistoric Safari Through Time
Unleashing the Dynamic World of Ancient Beasts and the Epic Saga of Human Evolution
Step into the Morian Hall of Paleontology for a dynamic journey through prehistoric life. This isn’t your typical museum exhibit; here, ancient creatures are brought to life in action-packed scenes of survival. Embark on a “prehistoric safari” that spans from our tree-climbing ancestors to mammoth-hunting humans.
As you traverse the hall, you’ll meet the heroic microbes that laid life’s foundation, marvel at the diversity of trilobites, and follow ferocious fish through the monumental conquest of land. Dinosaurs may dominate the narrative, but sudden mass extinctions punctuate the journey, marking the rise and fall of magnificent beasts.
In the final stages, you’ll encounter the atlatl, an invention that forever changed nature’s rules, and gain insight into our place in history. Please help us preserve our specimens by refraining from touching the objects or climbing on platforms.
As you traverse the hall, you’ll meet the heroic microbes that laid life’s foundation, marvel at the diversity of trilobites, and follow ferocious fish through the monumental conquest of land. Dinosaurs may dominate the narrative, but sudden mass extinctions punctuate the journey, marking the rise and fall of magnificent beasts.
In the final stages, you’ll encounter the atlatl, an invention that forever changed nature’s rules, and gain insight into our place in history. Please help us preserve our specimens by refraining from touching the objects or climbing on platforms.
Open Today: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Plan a Visit Adults $25, Children $16
See Admission Located in Level 1
See Accessibility Please Note:
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Permanent Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday evenings from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Members: HMNS Permanent Exhibits are always free!
Exhibition Highlights
Prehistoric Predator
“Wyrex”: A Fearsome Hunter of the Cretaceous
Meet “Wyrex,” a predator that roamed the Earth 65 million years ago. One of the largest land predators ever, Wyrex had a taste for Triceratops and Hadrosaurs. This fossil offers a thrilling glimpse into a world where giants ruled and survival was a daily battle.
Ancient Swimmers
The Plesiosaurs: Masters of Underwater Flight
Dive into the world of the Plesiosaurs, ancient creatures that “flew” underwater with flippers like penguin wings. Suspended in the air, this fossil captures their grace and speed, a marvel of nature’s design that allowed them to maneuver nimbly through prehistoric seas.
Sloth Giants
“SLOTHZILLA”: The Elephant-Sized Sloth of Yore
Step back in time to meet “SLOTHZILLA,” a gigantic ground-dwelling sloth as big as an elephant. Part of a rich South American complex that included armadillos and anteaters, these sloths were a marvel of nature’s creativity. Come face to face with a gentle giant from our planet’s past.
Curious? Review the FAQ Guidelines
View All FAQFAQ
Can I take photos in the Paleontology Hall?
Photography is permitted. However, the use of flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Are all the dinosaurs real?
Can I touch the dinosaurs?
Can I take my stroller in this exhibit?
Does it get crowded in here?
Guidelines
Helpful Information
Photography
Photography and videography are allowed in the museum, but please be mindful of a few items:
- Flash photography is strictly prohibited in all areas, except the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
- Every person entering the museum must purchase a ticket. If you are purchasing tickets for a timed-entry venue, such as the Butterfly Center, you must enter at the indicated time on your ticket.
- Be considerate of other patrons enjoying the museum.
Admission
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Service Animals
Certified Service Animals are always welcome at HMNS!
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Robert T. Bakker, Ph.D.
Curator Of Paleontology
Dr. Robert T. Bakker is a renowned paleontologist known for his work on dinosaur habits, habitats and extinction. He posited that some dinosaurs were warm-blooded and had feathers. Bakker is also passionate about teaching paleontology to children and works at the HMNS Morian Hall of Paleontology.