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Dilong Tyrannosaur

Open October 11, 2025 through April 26, 2026

If you think you know T. Rex, think again!

The Tyrannosaurus Rex is only ONE type of Tyrannosaur. This family of ferocious predators comes in all shapes and sizes from around the globe, and some of them are new, like the crested Guanlong from China. Researchers are changing and challenging our understanding of the evolution of these iconic, well-loved dinosaurs every day.

In Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, you can catch up on the latest knowledge about the “most feared and revered” of all dinosaurs. Learn about the most significant discoveries in paleontology over the last decade, experience the scale of these creatures, and have fun in an immersive, hands-on environment.

A roaring T. Rex

What you'll encounter in this exhibit:

  • Real tyrannosaur specimens 

  • Five complete tyrannosaur cast skeletons 

  • A life-sized Guanlong diorama, newly discovered, and one of the earliest tyrannosaurs

  • Hands-on fossil casts 

  • Large-scale projections of tyrannosaurs that allow you to stand alongside these amazing predators 

  • Interactive and educational games and screens

Tyrannosaurs Programming

Trivia night graphic

Tyranosaurus Trivia Nights with Betka-Pope (18+ event)

October 16, 7:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Study the Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family exhibit after hours and then take your seat under the whale skeleton in the Museum’s main hall for a trivia challenge of paleontology and pop culture dinosaur questions. This event will have a cash bar, and the winning team will receive a prize! 

Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $15 each or $40 for a team of four.

Educator Night with Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family

October 22, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Visit the GRPM after hours for an exclusive event for educators connected to the traveling exhibit Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family. Join other educators to learn how to incorporate Tyrannosaurs into your curricular goals or field trip schedule this school year. Also included: free supplementary materials including activity guides and books, GRPM staff with advice on maximizing the field trip experience, complimentary refreshments, a cash bar, and a special raffle.

Plan a Prehistoric Field Trip with the Exhibit Educator Guide

Enhance your group’s visit to Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family with this fun collection of multidisciplinary activities. Get to know the highlights of the exhibit, discover essential background information on dinosaurs, and get activities that ensure your students are making the most of their experience in the exhibit. Get ready to dig deep into the wonders of paleontology! 

Thank you to our Sponsors

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David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation logo

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The Parking Ramp is Open!

All access to the Museum Parking Ramp must come from Pearl Street to Front Ave. There is no access via Mt. Vernon St. at this time.

A gentle reminder: please do not park in the Holiday Inn lot, which is reserved for hotel guests only.

The GRPM is NOW OPEN

âš¡ Electricity is back in the building! âš¡
 

The GRPM is open for guests today, July 28. While the Museum is open, the cafe will be closed.

We hope to see you here. Stay cool in the heat today, Grand Rapids!

An exhibit with the label ELECTRICITY in pink lights

Museum Parking Ramp Closed Saturday, July 26

The Museum Parking Ramp will be unavailable for use this Saturday due to the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival taking place on Front Avenue. They will be painting 21 new beautiful murals to brighten up Downtown Grand Rapids.

Alternative FREE parking will still be available in the GVSU Mt. Vernon lot at 50 Front Ave SW. See the map below for directions on how to access the Mt. Vernon lot.

U.S. Service Members and Families Free This Weekend!

This weekend, the GRPM extends free admission to all U.S. service members—active or retired—and their families.
 
See our new Veterans display, in partnership with the Michigan Heroes Museum, honoring West Michiganders who served the United States during World War II.
 

This offer includes those serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.

Ask our front desk upon arrival to redeem.

Early Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, for Cabinet of Curiosities: Grand Slam!

This elevated spring fundraiser explores America’s favorite pastime through Grand Rapids history and celebrates the GRPM’s new exhibit, Play Ball! The World’s Largest Collection of Detroit Tigers Autographed Baseballs.

Planetarium & Cafe Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium and the Museum Cafe will be closed from September 2nd – 5th.

Upcoming
Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be closed June 8 through June 15 for the most significant systems upgrade made to our Planetarium in 10 years!

Come back after June 15 to see crisper, cleaner, and more vibrant visuals, and a system capable of showcasing parts of the universe we weren’t able to display before!

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 20. We will reopen on Monday, April 21 for normal hours. 

Extended! Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Friday, December 6!

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash!

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Tuesday, December 3! 

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for an event. We will re-open on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

Late Opening Notice.

On Saturday, May 11, the Museum will open at 12 p.m. due to road closures for the Amway River Bank Run.

Early Closure Notice.

The Museum will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 for Museum Adventure After Dark. Tickets are still available!