The Dubai Mall is known for its luxurious shopping and entertainment options, but what many people don’t realize is that it is also home to an impressive display of prehistoric creatures. In particular, the mall features a stunning dinosaur skeleton that has captured the imagination of visitors from around the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton, from its origins to its impact on the local community.
Origins of the Dubai Mall Dinosaur Skeleton
The Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton is a replica of a Diplodocus longus skeleton that was discovered in Wyoming, USA, in 1898. Diplodocus longus was a herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 154-145 million years ago. The original fossil was acquired by the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where it has been on display since 1907.
The replica skeleton in the Dubai Mall was created by Research Casting International, a company that specializes in creating museum exhibits and scientific models. The skeleton was shipped to Dubai in 2008 and installed in the mall’s Grand Atrium, where it has been on display ever since.
The Dubai Mall Dinosaur Skeleton: Features and Specifications
The Diplodocus longus skeleton on display in the Dubai Mall is an impressive sight. The skeleton is approximately 24 meters long and 7 meters tall, with a total of 292 bones. The replica was made using resin casts of the original fossil bones, which were created using silicone molds. The bones were then painted to look like real bones, giving the skeleton a lifelike appearance.
One of the most notable features of the Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton is its long neck, which measures approximately 13 meters. The neck is made up of 17 vertebrae, which are supported by a series of tendons and ligaments. The skeleton also has a long tail, which measures approximately 9 meters and is made up of 80 vertebrae.
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Impact on the Local Community
The Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton has become a popular attraction for visitors to the mall, with many people taking pictures and selfies with the impressive display. The skeleton has also helped to promote an interest in paleontology and natural history among the local community, particularly among children and young people.
In addition to its impact on the local community, the Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton has also been recognized on a global scale. In 2014, the skeleton was listed in the Guinness World Records as the largest dinosaur skeleton on display in a shopping mall.
Where is Dubai Dino Skeleton now?
Dubai Dino, the impressive dinosaur skeleton that once stood tall at the Dubai Mall, has now found a new home in the United Kingdom.
The 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, which belongs to the Diplodocus Longus species, was originally discovered in the United States in 2008. After being put up for auction in 2013, the Dubai Mall acquired it for a whopping $6 million and put it on display for visitors to admire.
However, in 2019, it was announced that Dubai Dino would be moving to the UK to be a part of an exhibition at the Dorset County Museum. The move was a temporary one and was aimed at bringing the impressive dinosaur skeleton closer to its original discovery site.
Dubai Dino was disassembled in Dubai in 2019 and then shipped to the UK, where it underwent reassembly and refurbishment before going on display at the museum. The exhibit, titled “Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure,” features a variety of dinosaur and marine reptile skeletons, as well as a selection of other exhibits and interactive displays.
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Although Dubai Dino is currently on display in the UK, it is expected to return to Dubai at some point in the future. In the meantime, visitors to the Dorset County Museum can enjoy the impressive display and learn more about this incredible creature that once roamed the earth millions of years ago.
Final Thoughts
The Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton is a fascinating display of prehistoric creatures, and one that is sure to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. From its origins as a fossil discovered in Wyoming to its current home in the Dubai Mall, this replica skeleton has become an iconic symbol of the mall’s commitment to providing unique and engaging experiences for its visitors. Whether you’re a paleontology enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational activity for the family, a visit to the Dubai Mall dinosaur skeleton is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.