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Durham, North Carolina: Old Brontosaurus, New Dino Trail

A big brontosaurus, decapitated and then repaired, is near the new Dino Trail at the Museum of Life and Science.

Museum of Life and Science

Address:
433 W. Murray Ave., Durham, NC
Directions:
Museum of Life and Science. North of I-85, take US Hwy 501 for about a mile, left on Murray Ave.
Hours:
Tu-Sa 1-5 pm, Su 12-5 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
919-220-5429
Admission:
$9.50-$12.50 museum/dino trail; free brontosaurus statue across street.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Durham, North Carolina - Durham Brontosaurus Brutalized
Brontosaurus Statue: A number of tipsters have reported that Durham, NC's old statue of a brontosaurus was decapitated. [06/03/2009] Complete Story...

Visitor Tips and News About Old Brontosaurus, New Dino Trail

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Brontosaurus

He is no longer visible from the street. You have to walk a short way on Bronto trail.

[Jon, 02/11/2019]

Dino Trail sculpture.

Dinosaur Trail

In addition to having his severed head reattached, the vandalized brontosaurus across the street from the Museum of Life and Science has had a new fence installed around him. Fund raising continues in hopes of giving the statue a new coat of paint.

In the meantime, the new Dinosaur Trail on the grounds of the Museum of Life and Science, originally slated for 2008, opened this past July. There are eight separate dinosaur installations, with what looks like one more left to come. They range in size from a couple of small bird-like dinos up to the giant alamosaurus, who looks to be at least as big as the old brontosaurus, and maybe even bigger.

[Dean Jeffrey, 11/05/2009]

Dinosaur undergoing repair.

Dinosaur - Head Restored

The NC Dinosaur is looking better than it has in years! The head has been replaced (or rebuilt, I'm not sure which) and various holes in the body have been patched up. Repairs are still ongoing, with many spots of unpainted fiberglass visible.

A museum employee happened by and we chatted briefly. He mentioned a few years ago a homeless person had taken up residence inside the dino and had lived inside through an entire winter.

[Greg Brown, 08/05/2009]
Neglected Dinosaur Statue

The new dino trail is opening Summer of 2009!

[Lauren, 07/04/2008]

June 2009: The dinosaur was decapitated in what police described as a "prank." The head and neck have been recovered, although museum officials aren't yet sure if they can be stuck back onto the body.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Mercury-Redstone Rocket ReplicaMercury-Redstone Rocket Replica, Durham, NC - < 1 mi.
Gene Dillard Mosaic HouseGene Dillard Mosaic House, Durham, NC - < 1 mi.
Tooth Fairy BullTooth Fairy Bull, Durham, NC - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Big Chairs, Hillsborough, NC - 14 mi.

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