The Natural History Museum (NHM) in London is searching for a partner venue to host Dippy, its iconic Diplodocus cast, for a long-term loan starting next year.
Dippy embarked on a tour of the UK back in February 2018. It was so successful that the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) referred to its social and economic benefits as the ‘Dippy effect’.
Dippy is available to host from 2023. The Natural History Museum is encouraging venues with an indoor space big enough to fit the Diplodocus cast to get in touch. Applicants do not have to be a traditional museum.
“We have been blown away by the success of ‘Dippy on Tour’,” said Doug Gurr, NHM director. “We knew that Dippy was able to draw a crowd but for all venues to break visitor number records and see economic benefits within their regions to this level has exceeded our expectations.”
Dippy available to host from 2023
“Biodiversity is under threat and the planet is facing a crisis. Dippy has the ability to capture people’s imagination and spark an interest in the natural world,” he added.
“We hope that, wherever Dippy’s next adventure takes place, our dino-star will continue to engage people with nature and inspire them to protect it.”
During the successful tour, more than two million people visited Dippy. Belfast’s Ulster Museum reported its highest ever attendance for an exhibition in a single day, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery welcomed an additional 140,000 visitors.
The dinosaur is returning to NHM for a free temporary installation called ‘Dippy Returns: the nation’s favourite dinosaur’ from 27 May 2022. Dippy will be at the museum through December 2022.
Venues can apply to host Dippy here. Visitors can register here to book tickets for the temporary installation at NHM.
Images: Natural History Museum
