Marvel at the tall spines on the back of Dimetrodon, an ancient relative of mammals that roamed north-central Texas 275 million years ago.
Ground Floor
Paleontology Gallery
Explore fascinating fossils collected from sites across Texas, dating from the Permian Period (beginning 299 million years ago) through the Pleistocene Epoch (ending 11,700 years ago).
Epic Encounters, our newly updated exhibit, brings together fossil displays, immersive design and interactive experiences to explore deep time, ancient environments and the rich diversity of life that flourished in Texas.
From the 30-foot Onion Creek mosasaur to massive mammoths, the fossils on display are outstanding specimens that reveal the shapes, sizes and lifestyles of extinct animals. New lighting, interpretive panels and interactive elements integrate contemporary art and science. Highly detailed and realistic digital animations bring eight extinct animals to life, and a choose-your-own-adventure game places visitors in some of their tracks.
Most importantly, most of the fossils on exhibit are the real thing—not replicas. The museum is proud to share these historically and scientifically important resources with visitors, supporting learning and discovery through direct encounters with Texas’ ancient past.
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