Largest Dinosaur Exhibit in the Carolinas Opens at Schiele Museum This September
This September, Schiele Museum of Natural History will open its largest dinosaur exhibit in the Carolinas, offering visitors an immersive and dynamic prehistoric experience that brings the Mesozoic era to life.
The exhibit has been in the works for over a year.
The museum began by removing the T. rex at the entrance and installing a lifelike Quetzalcoatlus, shown landing gracefully and about to feed its waiting babies in the nest. This set the theme for the exhibit: dinosaurs in motion, lifelike and dynamic, showing what life may have been like in their time.
Since then, the museum team has been building the full 4,200-square-foot exhibit to bring a living prehistoric ecosystem to Gaston County.
Exhibit Highlights
Predator-prey drama in motion: A T. rex is about to scoop up a baby Triceratops—only to be intercepted by a protective momma Triceratops, recreating real-life predator-prey dynamics.
Other dynamic dinosaurs: Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, and more, alongside 14 full-bodied prehistoric skeleton casts.
Unique fossils: Including Appalachiosaurus, the East Coast T. rex, and a fossil showing healed wounds from a T. rex attack.
Educational engagement: Partnerships with schools and institutions across the Southeast provide access to the latest paleontology research, including Appalachian State University, McWane Science Center, and University of New Orleans.
This immersive and engaging exhibit combines high-impact visuals with lifelike movement, giving visitors a sense of what dinosaurs’ lives may have been like in the Mesozoic era.
Why This Story Works
Largest in the Carolinas – A game-changing exhibit redefining dinosaur experiences in the region
Highly visual and dynamic – Perfect for photography, video segments, and social storytelling
Engaging and lifelike learning experiences – Shows prehistoric life in motion rather than static displays
Weekend getaway potential – Easily paired with Gaston County attractions, local dining, and outdoor adventures
Follow-up opportunity: Dino Safari, the museum’s holiday exhibit, Dinosaur Holiday Havoc, returns later this year for a fun, seasonal twist
Story Angles to Explore
A Prehistoric Adventure Highlight the dynamic predator-prey moments, parental care, and dinosaur behavior—brought to life through lifelike moving models and immersive scenes.
Family-Friendly Weekend in Gaston County Use the exhibit as the centerpiece of a 2–3 day trip, combining museum exploration with local attractions, dining, and outdoor recreation in Gastonia and surrounding areas.
Backstory: Building the Exhibit Share the story of how the museum began constructing the exhibit over a year ago, starting with the Quetzalcoatlus installation and the removal of the T. rex, leading up to the full dynamic experience.
Behind the Scenes at the Schiele Interviews with museum curators, educators, and exhibit designers reveal the science, creativity, and technology that make the dinosaurs come alive.
Holiday Tie-In: Dino Holiday Havoc Later this year, the Dino Safari exhibit returns with a special holiday edition, offering a fun, limited-time story angle for journalists.
Media Opportunities
Interviews with museum leadership, curators, and educators
On-site photography and filming opportunities
Access to high-resolution images, B-roll, and dynamic exhibit demonstrations
Custom itinerary ideas highlighting Gastonia and Gaston County
Resources for Story Development
What to Do in Gastonia – Local attractions, dining, and shopping
What to Do in Gaston County – Regional highlights and itinerary ideas
For more information, story development support, or to plan a visit, contact: Melissa McCauley melissa.mccauley@gastongov.com
