International dinosaur exhibition to hatch at Waikato Museum

Real dinosaur bones and an eight-foot reconstructed nest will be amongst the displays featured in a new dinosaur exhibition opening at Waikato Museum next Saturday, 4 September.

International touring exhibition ‘Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs & Babies’ blends the arts and sciences with an array of dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe.

Described as a ‘captivating experience for all ages’, the exhibition invites visitors to touch real dinosaur bones and reconstructed nests (one more than eight feet in diameter), dig for eggs, experience hands-on exploration stations and view animated video presentations featuring well-known dinosaur experts. Each section is enhanced with exciting lifelike models of embryos and hatchlings, colourful illustrations of dinosaur family life and stunning photographs of some of the world’s most renowned dinosaur hunters and their discoveries.

Produced by StoneCompany.com in association with Gondwana Studios, Hatching the Past will be displayed at Waikato Museum until 27 February 2011.

Waikato Museum director Kate Vusoniwailala said it is exciting to host this exhibition in Hamilton.

“We are committed to bringing top international touring exhibitions to Hamilton for our community to enjoy. This exhibition has proven popular with audiences overseas, and we are sure it will appeal here as well.

“Waikato Museum is fortunate to be the only venue in the North Island to host this exhibition.”

Also running alongside Hatching the Past will be a series of dinosaur activities and events, including the Great Hamilton CBD Dino Trail, Day of the Dinosaur Sculpture Competition, Dino Night at the Museum, Eggasaurus Adventure Day and September Science Talks featuring some of New Zealand’s leading experts.

The exhibition is supported by major sponsors, Waikato Times and Iguana.

Admission to Hatching the Past is $12 for adults, $6 for children, $5 for school groups (pre-booked), $10 for student/Senior/Friend of the Museum, and $30 for family (2 adult + 3 children).

Visit www.waikatomuseum.co.nz for more information.