The Solnhofen Exhibition
»The Houston Museum of Natural Science has hosted hundreds of exhibitions over the last 25 years. There is no question that one of the most popular exhibitions – with scientists and the general public alike − was the magnificent Interprospekt Collection of Solnhofen fossils, featuring one of the finest known examples of Archaeopteryx. The exhibition was seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors in just a few month.«
(Joel Bartsch, President Houston Museum of Natural Science)
The cream-colored limestone of Solnhofen, Germany, lends itself as a fine canvas for the depiction of Jurassic life 150 milion years ago. This famous fossil site has revealed more than 600 different species, covering such biological groups as reptiles, amphibians, fish, sharks, insects and plants.
The rise in salinity in this prehistoric paradise led to anoxic conditions, causing all life in the shallow lagoons to cease to exist. The perished organisms were often carried by currents into low energy waters and eventually buried in soft carbonate mud.
Exhibition Highlight No. 1
THE JURASSIC DRAMA
‘The Jurassic Drama’ – masterpiece of Solnhofen – shows a rare prehistoric moment set in stone. This one-of-kind fossil captures the breathtaking hunting scene of a pterosaur and a pike fish entangled in a death struggle that ended on the ocean floor.
Exhibition Highlight No. 2
ARCHAEOPTERYX – THE THERMOPOLIS SPECIMEN
Arguably the most famous fossil in the world, Archaeopteryx is one of the most important scientific discoveries in history. Archaeopteryx is known as the quintessential link between dinosaurs and modern birds – the evidence for Darwin’s controversial ‘Theory of Evolution’.
‘The Thermopolis Specimen’ – one of only twelve specimen found to date – comes with a custom showcase, bringing this astonishing creature back to life with a spectacular 3D holographic animation.
Inquire with Interprospekt for details regarding this exhibition customized for your museum, venue or special event!