The Natural History Museum’s Dippy the dinosaur has arrived in Coventry. The 292-bone model is spending three years at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
Dippy is the star of the museum’s new free exhibition, which reveals more about the iconic diplodocus cast and the Jurassic period. Guests will also enjoy dinosaur-themed talks and activities.
The dinosaur cast’s new residency follows its 110-year tenure at London’s Natural History Museum and a recent tour across the UK, which was so successful that its social and economic benefits have become known as the ‘Dippy effect’.
Doug Gurr, the director of the Natural History Museum, said the institution ensures “the treasures of our collection are able to be enjoyed by as many people as possible whilst benefitting and inspiring communities across the UK”.
After Dippy’s tour, the skeleton cast returned to the Natural History Museum for a temporary installation, which was visited by more than one million people.
“The success of this installation only further proved our dinosaur’s ability to draw in and enthuse a crowd about the natural world,” Gurr added.
“This is why we decided that Dippy would hit the road once more and go on a long-term loan within the UK to benefit a new region and reach a whole new audience.”
‘Dippy effect’
He said the museum “can’t wait to see the Dippy effect in action again”.
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.
Marguerite Nugent, the director of culture at CV Life, which operates the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, said the venue is “really looking forward to welcoming as many visitors as possible to see this iconic dinosaur”.
In London, the Natural History Museum has transformed one of its shops into a nostalgic replica of the store featured in 1993 film Jurassic Park.
Images: Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
