Berlin has a new cultural highlight, crowd-puller and a unique research object. Tristan Otto (Tristan for short) is one of the best-preserved specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex in the world. From December 17th 2015, it will be on show in a special exhibition. International experts consider the super dino a unique discovery and specimen. At the Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research, the skeleton will be studied by a dedicated research team, using cutting-edge technology and in close cooperation with our partners in science, research, industry and society. The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is setting new standards by displaying Tyrannosaurus rex for the first time in Europe and, at the same time, conducting a large research programme to develop the story of Tristan Otto and the exhibition.
This dinosaur will be a unique spectacle: a life size twelve-metre-long skeleton and a nearly complete skull of earth’s biggest predator. The exhibition with its unusual media installations and riveting stories will give all visitors a unique insight into the research surrounding Tristan Otto. What do the bones tell us about Tristan Otto’s life? What diseases did he have, what were his weight, his agility, speed, and bite force? What can we learn from fossilised bones that are approximately 66 million years old? The exhibition is also a real time experiment: through the cutting-edge research the exhibition will grow and change over the coming years. Visitors are invited to join the museum on this journey of discovery.
The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin has gained a worldwide reputation for its science and exhibitions. As an integrated research museum it cooperates with partners in more than 60 countries. “We actively engage with society and study relevant scientific questions such as climate change, meteorite threat or the protection of biodiversity. We are studying the past and present, using our expertise to help shaping the future of our planet. Tristan Otto is part of this development,“ says Director General Prof. Johannes Vogel, “Tristan Otto is unique and a one-off opportunity for Berlin, for Germany and for research into nature worldwide.”
The skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex Tristan Otto was found in Montana, USA, in 2010 and is considered a unique find by international experts. “The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is an internationally renowned museum with excellent exhibitions as well as excellent research, especially in the field of dinosaurs. This is why it seemed to me the perfect place for Tristan Otto,” says Niels Nielsen, the sponsor and owner of the T. rex.
The exhibition is also made possible by the commitment of the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Technology and Research, which not only funds the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin alongside the Federal German Government, but also facilitated the insurance for the Tyrannosaurus rex. Senator Cornelia Yzer: “Berlin may have become several million years older, but it has gained a major attraction. Tristan Otto will soon become a selfie favourite for Berlin tourists and will further increase visitor numbers at the Museum für Naturkunde. In addition, we are, of course, also committed to the excellent research at the Museum that will underpin the exhibition.”
“Tristan – Berlin bares Teeth“ is an exhibition at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin in cooperation with rbb. Starting from 17/12/2015 it will run for at least three years at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.
This download link will give you access to photos and texts that you will be permitted to use free of charge in connection with reporting on this press release: http://download.naturkundemuseum-berlin.de/presse/TRexTristan
Please note that the image rights for the photographs are granted to the press, free of charge, exclusively and as a one-off, for publication in the context of reporting on the T. rex Tristan (beginning 17.12.2015). Any other use – including commercial use - of the images is not permitted. We would ask you for an accurate quote in relation to the exhibition (© Photograher & Museum für Naturkunde Berlin) and we would greatly appreciate a free of charge sample copy of the publication for both the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and the proprietor of the image rights.