SUE: The T. Rex Experience to Roar Into the Saint Louis Science Center

This summer, families can meet Sue, the most complete, best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, in the Lou! The Saint Louis Science Center will welcome SUE: The T. rex Experience beginning June 8. The special exhibition features the latest scientific discoveries about the species as a whole as well as an immersive, sensory exploration of life in the Cretaceous period.

“Because SUE was discovered in such great condition and as a nearly complete specimen, scientists have been able to learn so much about dinosaurs and the lives they lived from this fossil,” Kaylia Eskew said. “SUE: The T. rex Experience displays the latest discoveries of what’s known about Tyrannosaurus rex — the composition of their bodies, the foods they ate, the way they moved, the sounds they made, how they aged, and more. The Science Center is honored to host this special exhibition so that our guests can immerse themselves in the wonder of SUE’s life.”

Through this traveling exhibition that is presented in English and Spanish, guests can explore the sights, sounds and smells from SUE’s world and get up close with an exact replica of the original SUE skeleton, which measures 40 feet from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip, permanently on display at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Observers will note that this updated cast includes repositioned shoulder blades and arms and added gastralia (belly ribs). Scientists weren’t sure of the true positioning for these items when SUE was first revealed in the 1990s but have been able to more accurately place them through extensive examination of the fossil and additional research. Other full-scale displays present a T. rex battling one of its favorite prey, the duck-billed herbivore Edmontonosaurus, and a skeleton of T. rex’s biggest enemy, the Triceratops.

“Guests will use all of their senses to bring dinosaurs to life during SUE: The T. rex Experience,” Eskew notes. “In addition to viewing life-sized specimens, interactive stations will give guests a chance to smell prehistoric plants and the T. rex’s rancid breath, hear the rumblings of the T. rex’s mighty roar and feel the texture of SUE’s bones and dinosaur skin.”

To present a deeper look into prehistoric life among the landscape where SUE was discovered, the exhibition features:

  • Murals and a life-sized reproduction of the Hell Creek excavation site to understand how SUE was uncovered.
  • A narrated, multimedia light show highlighting key aspects of SUE’s skeleton.
  • Realistic animated videos depicting life in South Dakota during the Cretaceous period.
  • Updates on scientific research discovered through ongoing examination of SUE and other fossils.
  • Interactive games and quizzes.

Beyond the special exhibition, guests can visit the Science Center’s Earth Sciences gallery to:

  • Hear the infamous roar of our beloved T. rex that has stood tall since the museum’s opening in 1991.
  • Observe real fossils collected by Science Center volunteers in the Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab.
  • Examine fossils and other objects found throughout Missouri and Illinois.
  • Search for prehistoric treasures in our kid-friendly Dig Site.

While admission to the Science Center is free, tickets are required for SUE: The T. rex Experience. Tickets for this special exhibition will go on sale May 8, 2024, at slsc.org/SUE or through the Science Center box office. Tickets are $12 for adults (ages 13-59); $8 for children (ages 5-12), those ages 60 or older and military personnel; and $6 for current or new Science Center members. Children 4 and under are free but must obtain a ticket to enter the exhibition.

Share This Story
Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Things to Do

Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition.

View this event »
Supper With Santa at The Butterfly House
Friday, December 13, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024

Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!

View this event »
Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.

 

 

View this event »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Popular Stories

Welcome 2025 at one of these New Year's Eve Celebrations for Families in St. Louis

Who says you have to stay up late to ring in the new year? Kids can make some noise and welcome 2025 at these daytime and early evening celebrations designed just for young partygoers. 

Continue reading »
Winter Break Camps Offer School Break Fun for Your Kids

Winter Break Camps offer your kids a fun way to spend their break from school! They'll participate in engaging activities that will make their school break memorable. We rounded up some fantastic options for Winter Break Camps for kids of all ages. Sign up soon! Many camps fill fast.

Continue reading »
Where to Find Santa in St. Louis This Holiday Season

St. Louis has to be one of Santa's favorite cities because he's sure spending a lot of time here this holiday season! And for an older dude, you've got to hand it to him for branching out and trying new things. This year, Santa is doing more than hoisting kids onto his lap and smiling for the camera. He's cruising the mighty Mississippi, touching down via a helicopter, posing with your kids and your pups, flipping pancakes, having brunch with Fredbird, skating at local ice rinks, strolling through the Missouri Botanical Garden, and more. 

Continue reading »
Farmer's Markets Make Great Family Outings! Here is Your 2024 Guide to Farmers Markets Across the St. Louis Area

A trip to the farmer’s market is a fun outing for the entire family – and it can be educational too. Make plans to visit one (or several) of these top St. Louis farmers’ markets this spring and summer, so that you and your kids can learn more about where your food comes from and indulge in some of the freshest, seasonal produce the St. Louis region has to offer. Plus, many of these markets offer activities just for kids, feature food trucks, welcome dogs, and more.    

Continue reading »
6 Places to Find Fun on the Farm this Fall

Visiting a farm can be a real adventure for city and suburban kids. Getting up close to and even feeding farm animals can lead to lots of fun and unexpected learning. We've rounded up some tried and true nearby options where your family can spend a day in the country and meet some new barnyard friends.

Continue reading »
Follow Us