‘Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us’: an extraordinary venture between LKCNHM and Science Centre SG! 

‘Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us’: an extraordinary venture between LKCNHM and Science Centre SG! 

On 11 October 2025, Science Centre Singapore and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM), Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, launched our biggest collaborative exhibition ‘DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US’. 

 

LKCNHM staff standing in front of the Patagotitan mayorum showcase. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Spanning over 3,000 square metres, this extraordinary showcase brings together two world-class exhibitions—Dinosaurs of Patagonia and Six Extinctions—by Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio, and Gondwana Studios, respectively. Featuring more than 90 fascinating artefacts, encompassing 33 rare fossils and 60 full-scale models, the exhibition offers visitors an unforgettable look at how life on Earth has endured its greatest challenges throughout 400 million years of evolution. 

At LKCNHM, we are honoured to bring a uniquely Singaporean perspective to this global story on mass extinctions. Within the exhibition, our Gallery team has created a showcase that draws a parallel connection between the mass extinctions of the past and the biodiversity challenges we face today right here at home. 

 

Key highlights 

One of the major showpieces of the exhibition is the colossal Patagotitan mayorum. Stretching 40 metres long and weighing around 57 tonnes, this full-scale cast represents one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. Unearthed in Argentina’s Chubut province in 2014 as one of the most complete skeletons of its kind, this discovery reshaped our understanding of dinosaur size and survival. 

 

A LKCNHM staff (dressed as Dr Alan Grant from the hit movie ‘Jurassic Park’) stands under the Patagotitan mayorum. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Another feature that delighted fellow paleo enthusiasts was ‘Scotty’, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. This mighty Tyrannosaurus rex measures 13 metres long and is a remarkable full-scale cast representing the largest T. rex specimen ever unearthed. The prehistoric predator once ruled prehistoric landscapes with its towering frame and formidable bite, offering visitors a striking window into the apogee of dinosaur evolution and the mass extinctions that transformed life on Earth. 

 

Visitors gaze in awe at ‘Scotty’, the largest T. rex specimen ever discovered. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Curated by the Museum, this impactful section spotlights Singapore’s own biodiversity journey: from species once found in our forests to the conservation efforts protecting those that remain. Featuring seven specimens which are considered locally extinct, LKCNHM tells a uniquely Singaporean story of extinction and hope.  

One of these stories is of the great slaty woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus), the world’s largest living woodpecker species. Once a resident breeder in Singapore, it vanished as old-growth trees disappeared. Today, rare sightings within the island suggest that these magnificent birds are only visitors from Malaysia. 

 

A specimen of the great slaty woodpecker, once a prominent figure in Singapore’s skies, is considered locally extinct. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Another stirring addition would be the cream-coloured giant squirrel (Ratufa affinis affinis). This species that once thrived in the island’s plantations, has not been seen since 1995 and is considered locally extinct. Naturalists of the older generation might even have some fond memories of observing this creature within our local parks prior to its sudden disappearance. 

These extinction stories reflect the fragile balance between nature and urban life and the urgent need to safeguard our remaining habitats, all while offering guests an opportunity to witness these elusive species up-close. 

 

A guest takes a photo of the cream-coloured giant squirrel specimen that is on display. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Elevating the experience using sensory play, interactive experiences await guests throughout the exhibition, offering hands-on discovery for all ages. 

 

A visitor trying her hand at the interactive challenges that tested our strength, creativity, and prowess for paleo work. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Along the way, visitors can collect stamps at designated stations, gradually revealing a vibrant prehistoric landscape. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Reflecting on the Past, Protecting the Future 

On 9 October 2025, Science Centre Singapore and LKCNHM hosted a media preview for guests from various media channels to witness and observe the exhibition before it opened to the public on its official launch on 11 October 2025. 

During the event, keynote speakers provided an insight into the exhibition’s core mission and the future of Singapore’s biodiversity.  

Ms Tham Mun See, Chief Executive of the Science Centre Board, shared, “DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US represents far more than a showcase of prehistoric life. It is a powerful narrative about survival, a call to examine Earth’s deep history and consider our role in shaping what comes next.” 

 

Ms Tham Mun See, Chief Executive of the Science Centre Board, commencing the media preview. Image credit: Science Centre Singapore

 

“By highlighting cutting-edge research methods used to study specimens in our collections and trace past extinction events, we showcase science-based approaches that can inform the prevention of future biodiversity loss—and shine a light on Singapore’s efforts in this area, as specified by Associate Professor Darren Yeo, Head of LKCNHM. Further defining the significance of this partnership with Science Centre Singapore, he talked about how this opportunity allows us to amplify the Museum’s education and outreach as we make the science of extinction and conservation more relatable, and more urgent, for all Singaporeans. 

 

Assoc Prof Darren Yeo, Head of LKCNHM, speaking about Singapore’s conservation and biodiversity efforts. Image credit: Science Centre Singapore

 

Dr Tan Swee Hee, Assistant Head of LKCNHM, and Mr Daniel Tan, Senior Director of Exhibitions and Galleries at Science Centre Singapore, celebrating the launch of ‘Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us’. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Once again, we are honoured to collaborate with Science Centre Singapore, along with Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio, and Gondwana Studios in bringing the centre’s largest dinosaur showcase to life, as well as amplify our country’s efforts in safeguarding our local species and biodiversity through this epic storytelling adventurewoven together by four passionate organizations. 

 

Representatives from LKCNHM, Science Centre Singapore, and Akrom, standing in front of the Patagotitan mayorum showcase. Image credit: Science Centre Singapore

 

LKCNHM staff at the preview of ‘Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us’. Image credit: LKCNHM, NUS

 

Learn more about DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US here. 

 

Written by: Leica Awatin