Dinosaur Isle

Britain's first purpose built dinosaur museum and visitor attraction, Dinosaur Isle displays many fossils and life size reconstructions of the island's dinosaurs. Although a new building, the large collection of dinosaur, and other fossils form the island had its origins in 1819. The Isle of Wight is the most important site for dinosaur remains in Europe.

The new museum displays over 1000 of the best fossils from the collections, and the dedicated museum staff and volunteers have spent much time preparing the specimens for the new displays. An introductory exhibition gallery covers the geology and fossils of the Island in a walk back through time, taking the visitor from the Ice Age of the recent past, back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs lived. This leads to the large dinosaur gallery, which has exciting displays including real fossils, skeletal re-constructions, life sized fleshed re-constructions and an animatronic dinosaur.

Dinosaur Isle is an all-year-round facility, combining entertainment, education and enjoyment. Displays use clever lighting, artwork, sound, smells and animatronic technology to create an exciting experience. As well as the displays, there is a working laboratory on view, and a room set aside for learning sessions. Full disabled access is available, and the facility has a large shop.