The public first viewed a Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) skeleton in 1915, and have been fascinated by the “tyrant lizard king” ever since. From now until September 7, 2026, during Fernbank Museum’s Dinosaur Summer, explore the latest scientific discoveries at the T. rex: The Ultimate Predator exhibit, featuring life-sized models, specimens and interactives.
“In the past 100+ years, we’ve gained more knowledge about how these animals looked, lived and evolved,” said Miranda Shealy, Fernbank Museum Volunteer Manager and content expert for T. rex: The Ultimate Predator. For example, “there is fossil evidence that T. rex and the tyrannosaur family, like early ancestor Dilong [also on display], would have had feathers.”
“I find it very fascinating that these creatures even walked the earth in the first place and then died out,” a first time guest pondered with her friend. “And now we try to figure out through tiny little snapshots of the planet in our soil what was going on back then.”
Based on recent research, follow the lifecycle of a T. rex through a progression of models showing this apex predator as an innocuous baby hatchling the size of a goose, a larger more intimidating four-year-old, and as a towering bone-crushing adult.
Cheryl Wilson’s three grandchildren, each older than the depicted juvenile T. Rex, wonder at its immense growth spurt in a few years. “When our children were young, we brought them here too,” Wilson said. She and her husband are thrilled how the museum continues to wow the next generation.
Whatever your age, dinosaur lovers are sure to learn something new about tyrannosaurs. A juvenile T. rex could run but an adult could only walk with a quick stride, evident in a hands-on mirror spinner. And, despite its domination, the T. Rex lived a relatively short time compared to large animals of today, like elephants.
“Interestingly, a T. rex only lived about 28 years,” Shealy said. “It was a dangerous life of constant fighting with scarring in fossil bones as evidence of these battles.”
Guests can see narrated shadow clashes projected at the feet of the life-sized adult skeleton cast. Then turn the corner and come face to jaws with a fleshed out adult T. rex.
Be sure to check out the many digital and analog interactives throughout the exhibit. Experiment with a “roar mixer” using different animal sounds to make a T. rex roar or test your eye sight against the ultimate predator’s.
“Who has the best vision, humans or dinosaurs “ and aunt asks her nephew. “The dinosaur!” he exclaims. New research on T. rex’s skull finds that keen vision, smell and hearing helped it detect prey.
Playing with a giant magnet puzzle, captured the attention of two young sisters, who are frequent Fernbank guests.
“ You built a Yutyrannus,” their mom sounded out for them from the puzzle signage, and telling her girls that this species lived about 60 million years before T. rex.
With Fernbank’s Dinosaur Summer, the fun continues after you exit the exhibit.
“Most days, volunteers are on hand at educational paleontology carts under the four-story dinosaurs in the Great Hall,” Shealy said.
Guests can also pair a day visit with guided hikes in WildWoods, the newly opened Orkin Discovery Zone, or giant screen film T. REX. The family-friendly film juxtaposes a once-in-a-lifetime discovery in present day North American badlands with dinosaur scenes from the prehistoric Hell Creek.
Looking for an evening out? Guests can also experience a dino-themed Museum Nights like Fernbank After Dark (adults 21+) and LATER: Rex Factor.
“I’m floored by how much is here!” an adult guest raved.
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator is sponsored locally by the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation, [organized by the American Museum of Natural History, NY.] Plan your summer visit here!
