The nation’s favourite dinosaur is being welcomed home to the Natural History Museum, London for a limited time from May. The free temporary installation, Dippy Returns: the nation’s favourite dinosaur, will give people the chance to visit the 26m long dino-star returned to its original home where it was first put on display in 1905.
Dippy’s much hailed return follows the recently concluded nationwide tour, which visited all four nations of the UK and was seen by over two million Dippy fans, bringing economic benefits to many of the regions visited. Now the awe-inspiring dinosaur will share its memories of nature throughout the UK and how different communities are connecting with it.
While travelling the UK, Dippy was witness to the changing state of the nation’s wildlife and the habitats that need our protection. The new installation at the Natural History Museum, London, will feature visitors’ reflections from when they met the Jurassic giant and how such meetings inspired them to re-connect with the precious nature on their doorsteps. At a time when UK biodiversity is in sharp decline, Dippy has given people a much-needed reminder of the joy local landscapes can provide and their importance to a healthy planet.
Dr Doug Gurr, Museum Director, said, ‘We are thrilled to welcome Dippy back to London and the Natural History Museum. Dippy has been a treasured part of the collection since 1905 and in that time has inspired countless people to think about nature.
‘Biodiversity is under threat all over the UK and we hope this new installation reflecting on what Dippy saw whilst on tour will encourage people to be excited about the natural world and therefore work to protect it for the benefit of both people and planet.’
Dippy has moved around a lot over the last century, and not just on the UK tour. It has been displayed in many different parts of the Museum including the Reptiles gallery, Hintze Hall and even a brief stint in the basement to protect the specimen during World War II. This time, Dippy will be in our Waterhouse gallery, where it was previously displayed in the seventies.
Clare Matterson, Executive Director of Engagement, said, ‘We can’t wait to open the doors on this new installation. We know that Dippy has been missed by both visitors and staff at the Museum so it feels fantastic to have the beloved diplodocus cast back for this very special free temporary installation.
‘The installation will be free to visit but you must book tickets and we suggest that people register their interest now so that they can be the first to do so when tickets are made available. Dippy will be as thrilled to see you as you will be to see the nation’s favourite dinosaur.’
Visitors can once again enjoy visiting what is now one of the most well-traveled diplodocus casts in the world when Dippy Returns: The nation’s favourite dinosaur opens at the Natural History Museum, London on 27 May 2022.
Dippy Returns: The nation’s favourite dinosaur will run until December 2022. Register here to be the first to book tickets.
