The Natural History Museum’s Dippy the dinosaur is going to Coventry. The cast of a diplodocus skeleton is to appear at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum from 20 February.
The free installation will be on view for an initial period of three years. Dippy arrived in London in 1905. After 110 years on display at the Natural History Museum, the replica skeleton enjoyed a tour of eight cities in the UK.
Dippy spent time in Dorchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Cardiff, Rochdale, and Norwich. The tour was so successful that its social and economic benefits have become known as the ‘Dippy effect’.
“Dippy has always been a much loved and hugely popular attraction here in London,” said Doug Gurr, the Natural History Museum‘s director.
“This popularity made our favourite dinosaur the perfect ambassador for nature when we sent Dippy on tour to all four corners of the UK where is was visited by over 2 million people!”
After Dippy’s tour, the dinosaur cast returned to the Natural History Museum for a temporary installation, which was visited by more than one million people.
“We wish the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum every success and know that Dippy will continue to educate and inspire visitors to explore nature on their own doorsteps and become advocates for the planet,” Gurr added.
Dippy’s loan to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museums comes after a major refurbishment in preparation for the Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 designation.
‘Dippy effect’
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for the Herbert, but with how much footfall it will bring, it’s also a huge opportunity for Coventry and the wider economy,” said Paul Breed, CEO of CV Life, which operates Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
“This kind of world-class exhibit should be available to all and I’m glad that with our free ticketing system Dippy will be accessible to everyone, from Coventry school kids to international tourists – it’s going to be a brilliant three years.”
Free tickets will be available to book on the Herbert’s website closer to Dippy’s arrival.
Images: Natural History Museum
