After nearly two decades of planning and construction, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University is finally set to open on March 29.
The highly anticipated $75 million facility in Mantua, New Jersey, aims to take visitors on a journey through 66 million years of history, from the age of dinosaurs to today.
The 44,000-square-foot museum overlooks a four-acre fossil-rich quarry and features life-sized dinosaur recreations, interactive galleries, and even a hands-on fossil dig experience.
Guests will have the chance to unearth real fossils, experiencing a prehistoric world preserved in remarkable detail.
A highlight of the museum is the recreation of a Dryptosaurus, the first discovered tyrannosaur, originally found just a mile from the fossil park in 1866.
Another major attraction is a 53-foot-long mosasaur, a marine reptile similar to one discovered on-site.
The fossil park has already yielded over 100,000 specimens from more than 100 species, including mosasaurs, marine crocodiles, sea turtles, sharks, and other ancient sea life.
With only a fraction of the 65-acre site excavated, researchers anticipate many more groundbreaking discoveries.
During a recent sneak peek, visitors were treated to a cinematic introduction in the museum’s theater, featuring an animated short film detailing the history of life on Earth.
Following the film, a guided tour led by paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara showcased the museum’s eco-conscious design and its integration with the surrounding landscape.
Visitors also explored the 41-foot-deep quarry, where they could sift through layers of ancient sediment in search of fossils from the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Beyond its fossil exhibits, the museum offers a free-roam virtual reality adventure, personalized interactive experiences, and a dinosaur-themed playground for younger visitors.
Tickets for the grand opening are now available, with admission priced at $29 for adults and $24 for children aged 3-12. Children under 2 can visit for free.
The museum is located at 66 Million Mosasaur Way in Mantua, Gloucester County.
