Dippy the diplodocus is one step closer to its Coventry residence as tickets to see the world-famous dinosaur are made available.
Ahead of welcoming visitors to the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, the 292-bone model of a diplodocus skeleton was carefully deconstructed at the end of the Natural History Museum’s installation Dippy Returns, ready for its 100-mile journey to Coventry.
The iconic 26-metres long, 4.17 metres high cast has been loaned by the museum and will feature in the Herbert’s covered front court from Monday 20th February as part of the free installation Dippy in Coventry: The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur.
Visitors to the exhibition can learn more about Dippy, the Jurassic period and how the natural world we inhabit has changed over time, with talks and activities for all the family to enjoy.
Dippy’s three year stay in Coventry comes after a 110-year tenure at the Natural History Museum, beginning in 1905 and more recently an eight-city tour across the UK, where Dippy spent time in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dorchester, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Norwich and Rochdale.
The tour reportedly saw a “Dippy effect” on each venue and region, with a record-breaking two million visitors and just under £36m of economic benefit across all the eight cities.
The model’s most recent return to the Natural History Museum attracted over one million people and tickets for Dippy’s visit to Coventry is expected to reach similar demand, with the dino-star continuing to engage people of all ages with nature and our changing world.
Tickets are free and are available at www.dippyincoventry.co.uk from 2pm on Friday, January 20. With tickets expected to be extremely popular, the Herbert will extend its opening hours during the February half term.
These extended hours include staying open until 6pm on Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February and 9pm on Thursday 23 February.
Marguerite Nugent, CV Life Director of Culture, said: “We are excited to be welcoming Dippy to the Herbert very soon and look forward to giving as many people as possible the opportunity to see the famous dinosaur in person.
“Our programme of events and activities is tailored to visitors of all ages, helping them learn more about the Jurassic period, fossils, and the evolution of the natural world we inhabit.
“Visitors to Dippy can make the most of their visit, exploring the dinosaur’s new home at the Herbert as well as our three permanent galleries, the History Gallery, Discover Godiva and Peace and Reconciliation alongside regularly changing temporary exhibitions.
“Tickets will be available through the Herbert website and demand is expected to be high so we recommend that all visitors who want to see Dippy book in advance to avoid disappointment.”
Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “Having Dippy on display in Coventry is fantastic for the city. It is another example of how Coventry is attracting world-famous exhibits and growing the arts and culture offer following our year as City of Culture.
“Not only is this a thrilling opportunity for visitors to learn about natural history, but it is also expected to bring more tourists to the city and have a positive impact on the local economy. The best part of it all is that it is free to visit!”
Tickets for the exhibition can be found at www.dippyincoventy.co.uk
Article by Danny Thompson