Dippy in Coventry: The Nation's Favourite Dinosaur
From 20 February 2023
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20 February 2023 10.00am – 21 February 2026 4.00pm
Dippy the diplodocus stomps into Coventry on a three-year loan from the Natural History Museum
Fresh from its recent return home to the Natural History Museum, Dippy the Diplodocus (DIP-low-DOCK-us) is stomping into Coventry this February half-term, set to remain as dino-in-residence at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum for three years!
Dippy the dinosaur is a life-size, plaster-of-paris replica of a Diplodocus carnegii skeleton. It became the first Diplodocus to go on display anywhere in the world when it was gifted to the Natural History Museum by Andrew Carnegie on 12 May 1905.
It quickly became a star, capturing hearts and imaginations, and went on to complete a whirlwind tour of the UK in 2017. After a brief return home to London, Dippy heads down to Coventry this year, and will be ready for visitors from 20 February 2023.
Diplodocus carnegii lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 155 – 145 million years ago and their skeletons have been found in North America. They were huge, plant-eating dinosaurs, with long whip-like tails. They grew to about 24-26 metres long and probably weighed up to around 15 tonnes. For comparison, a London double-decker bus is around 14 metres long and weighs 12 tonnes.
Image: FiveSix Photography
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Dippy the diplodocus is on loan from the Natural History Museum, London
Dippy VR
Immerse yourself in the 175 million year journey of the Herbert’s ichthyosaur skull and experience the power of interactive storytelling. Each experience lasts approximately 5 minutes.
Children aged 5-8 must be supervised by a parent - not suitable for children under 5.
Dippy Facts & Fossils
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Drop in | FREE | Returning Summer 2024
Discover fun facts about Dippy, the Nation’s favourite dinosaur from the Natural History Museum, along with close encounters with fossils from our collection.
Our Learning Team will share a short, interactive talk with our visitors, aimed at families, but all are welcome. Standing at the feet of this 26-foot Diplodocus, you will learn more about Dippy and get hands-on with some of the fossils from the Herbert’s natural history collection.
These family-friendly talks will last approximately 20 minutes, in a relaxed and informal environment.
When running, talks will be repeated throughout the day between 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm.