The Titanosaur: A Colossal Leap in Paleontological Exhibitions

Amnh 3D Design Team Brings the Largest Dinosaur Ever Discovered to Life

The Titanosaur, discovered in the Argentinian desert in 2014, is believed to be the largest creature ever to walk the Earth. Standing at 46 feet tall and 122 feet long, this dinosaur is a testament to the enormity of prehistoric life. The Amnh 3D Design Team, inspired by the well-preserved nature of the 84 bones discovered, the sheer enormity of the creature, and the novelty of its discovery, embarked on an ambitious project to recreate the Titanosaur for public display.

The team utilized advanced 3D scanning technology to digitize the discovered bones, both on the field and in the lab. The digitized data was then used to carve bones out of foam using a 5-axis cutting machine. These foam molds were used to make fiberglass casts, which were assembled in the museum. The result is a life-sized Titanosaur skeleton, a testament to the power of modern technology and design.

The Titanosaur exhibit extends beyond the confines of a single room, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The dinosaur's neck and head extend out towards the elevator banks, welcoming visitors to the exhibit. The Titanosaur's massive tail is hung gracefully in the air, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Surrounding the Titanosaur are numerous displays, including a BBC/PBS video explaining the process of finding the Titanosaur and creating its cast, and four real fossils from the Argentine excavation site for visitors to examine.

Despite the challenges of fitting the entire Titanosaur in the Wallach Orientation Center and reconstructing the dinosaur with unknown spacing between vertebrae, the Amnh 3D Design Team succeeded in creating a scientifically accurate and visually stunning exhibit. The Titanosaur now sits in the hall, its spine correctly aligned, crouched on the pedestal as if to welcome the millions of visitors who walk through its new home.

The Titanosaur exhibit is a testament to the power of design and technology in bringing the past to life. It represents the largest recent dinosaur discovery and complements the museum’s current collection, providing a unique and engaging experience for visitors. The Titanosaur exhibit was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative design and execution.