Dippy the Diplodocus has welcomed its first visitors as the world-famous dinosaur takes centre stage at its new Coventry residence – and it was a once-in-a-lifetime treat for a local youngster.
The iconic 292-bone model’s big debut was greeted by crowds of excited visitors on the opening day of its three-year residency at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
Coventry Young Ambassador and local dinosaur fan Daisy-Marie Taylor was selected to put in place the final toe bone, as the free Dippy in Coventry: The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur exhibition was officially opened.
Daisy-Marie, 10, who attends Templars Primary School in Coventry, said: “Dippy is absolutely huge and it was amazing to be able to put the final bone in to place.
“It is something I will never forget.
“It is great to have Dippy in Coventry and I’m sure it is going to be really popular.”
Visitors to the exhibition can learn more about Dippy, the Jurassic period and how nature and the world we inhabit has changed over time, with dinosaur-themed talks and activities for all the family to enjoy.
Dippy’s new Coventry residency in the Herbert’s Covered Court follows a 110-year tenure at the Natural History Museum in London and more recently an eight-venue 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” at each venue and region, with a record-breaking two million visitors and just under £36m of economic benefit across all eight locations.
The model’s most recent return to the Natural History Museum attracted over one million people and Coventry’s newest resident is expected to create similar demand.
Free tickets to see the dino-star are being snapped up fast and the Herbert has extended its opening hours during February half term, staying open until 6pm on February 21, 22, 24 and 25 and until 9pm on Thursday, February 23 to allow as many as possible to see Dippy.
Marguerite Nugent, CV Life Director of Culture, said: “It is great to unveil Dippy to the public in its new Coventry residence at the Herbert Museum and Art Gallery and we are really looking forward to welcoming as many visitors as possible to see this iconic dinosaur.
“It was wonderful to be able to offer such a once-in-a-lifetime experience to Daisy-Marie Taylor – I am sure it’s something she’ll be telling people about for many years to come!
“Now we’re open, visitors can enjoy our dinosaur themed programme of events and activities, tailored to visitors of all ages, helping them learn more about the Jurassic period, fossils and the evolution of our world.
“Visitors to Dippy can make the most of their visit, exploring Dippy’s new home alongside our three permanent galleries, the History Gallery, Discover Godiva and Peace and Reconciliation and our regularly changing temporary exhibitions.”
Dr Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director said: “One of our top priorities at the Natural History Museum is making sure the treasures of our collection are able to be enjoyed by as many people as possible whilst benefitting and inspiring communities across the UK.
“After such a successful tour of the UK we were thrilled to have recently had Dippy back in London for, Dippy Returns: The Nation's Favourite Dinosaur. The success of this installation only further proved our dinosaur’s ability to draw in and enthuse a crowd about the natural world.
“This is why we decided that Dippy would hit the road once more and go on a long-term loan within the UK to benefit a new region and reach a whole new audience. We couldn’t be happier that The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum will be the host of that loan for the next three years and we can’t wait to see the Dippy effect in action again.”
Tickets for the exhibition can be found at https://dippyincoventry.co.uk
Caption - Coventry Young Ambassadors with Pauline Black, Marguerite Nugent, Lorraine Cornish and Cllr David Welsh