Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the discovery of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s beloved Diplodocus carnegii (Dippy) this July at the museum. The public is invited to enjoy events all month long for all ages, including a special Super Science Saturday for families, a 21+ night, a day filled with talks by paleontologists and other Dippy experts, and much more.
Named Diplodocus carnegii to honor Andrew Carnegie’s support for the expedition that found it, Dippy proved too massive to be housed in the original exhibition halls, necessitating the expansion of Carnegie’s museum — sometimes referred to as “the house that Dippy built” by people of the day. Arguably the most seen dinosaur fossil in the world, Dippy’s many plaster replicas have thrilled museumgoers in London, Berlin, Madrid, Vienna, St. Petersburg, Paris, Bologna, La Plata, and Mexico City, while the genuine article has delighted millions here in Pittsburgh.
“We’re so excited to celebrate the 125th anniversary of discovery of our iconic ‘mascot’ Diplodocus carnegii in this way,” says the museum’s senior dinosaur paleontologist and co-chair of research Dr. Matt Lamanna. “Dippy is a dinosaurian celebrity, not only for its incalculable scientific significance but also for its extraordinary cultural impact.”
Events Celebrating Dippy’s 125th Anniversary
Discovering Dippy: The Dinosaur That Changed the World
July 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pay what you wish
Become an expert on the past, present, and future of research about Pittsburgh’s favorite dinosaur – the one and only Dippy! Talks by leading scientists, historians, and museum professionals will get you acquainted with a whole new side of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s beloved mascot.
Dippy’s Birthday Party for Members
July 12, 2024
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Free for Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh members
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh members are invited to a birthday celebration for everyone’s favorite dinosaur, Diplodocus carnegii (Dippy). Enjoy birthday treats, face painting, and other family-friendly activities in honor of a Pittsburgh icon with an international impact. Dinosaur-themed clothing and costumes are encouraged!
Super Science Saturday: Dippy’s Jurassic World
July 13, 2024
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Free with museum admission
Join us for a Jurassic celebration in honor of the 125th anniversary of the discovery of Dippy! Hear about the most recent dino discoveries and ask museum staff your most pressing questions about the plants and animals that inhabited one of the most fascinating—and popular—geological periods in our Earth’s history.
Teen Night: Dippy 125
July 18, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free to everyone ages 13–18
Teens (ages 13–18) are invited to Carnegie Museum of Natural History for a fun night in honor of the 125th anniversary of the discovery of our most famous dinosaur, Diplodocus carnegii! Join us for Jurassic-themed activities, learn what made the discovery of Dippy such an important event, and enjoy a snack in the teens-only lounge.
Dippy & Friends (Virtual Event)
July 23, 2024
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Pay what you wish
We’re throwing a ‘gotcha day’ party for Dippy! Join Dr. Matt Lamanna, Mary R. Dawson Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, to learn about Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, and other amazing animals that shared Dippy’s world some 150 million years ago in what’s now the Rocky Mountain region of North America.
Dippy’s Rockstar Bash After Dark (21+)
July 26, 2024
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
$24 ($19 for members)
From our beloved Dippy to dazzling gems and magnificent architecture – Carnegie Museum of Natural History is full of rockstars! Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dippy’s discovery at a 21+ bash in the “house that Dippy built.” Meet the museum’s outstanding scientists as they share rarely viewed specimens. Enjoy pop-up musical performances throughout the evening.
For more information, visit https://carnegiemnh.org/explore/dippy-125/.
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