The Natural History Museum in London has announced the return of Dippy the dinosaur for a free temporary installation, called ‘Dippy Returns: the nation’s favourite dinosaur’, from May 27, 2022.
Dippy, who was first put on display in 1905, has been touring the UK since February 2018. The dinosaur cast has been seen by more than two million people, bringing social and economic benefits to all four regions of the UK.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dippy back to London and the Natural History Museum,” said NHM director Doug Gurr. “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,” Gurr added.
Dippy Returns: the nation’s favourite dinosaur
The new installation will feature visitors’ reflections from when they met Dippy during its four-year tour of the UK, including how the diplodocus cast inspired them to reconnect with their local natural environments.
“We can’t wait to open the doors on this new installation,” said Clare Matterson, executive director of engagement at NHM. “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,” she added.
“Dippy will be as thrilled to see you as you will be to see the nation’s favourite dinosaur.”
‘Dippy Returns: the nation’s favourite dinosaur’ will run through December 2022. The cast will be displayed in the Natural History Museum‘s Waterhouse gallery. Register here to book tickets.
Images: Natural History Museum
