Dinosaurs Take Over the Flint Cultural Center This January

This January, dinosaur lovers of all ages will have a lot to roar about as Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium welcome two new dinosaur experiences to the Flint Cultural Center campus, offering visitors a chance to explore prehistoric life from the frozen Arctic to the age of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex.

Beginning January 20, ICE DINOSAURS: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic opens at Sloan Museum of Discovery, followed by T.REX: The Greatest of All Tyrants premiering January 27 at Longway Planetarium, Michigan’s largest planetarium. Together, the dual attractions create what museum leaders describe as a whole “day with dinos” experience—complete with a discounted combo ticket for visitors who want to see both in one trip.

“Some of the most popular exhibits at Sloan Museum have been dinosaur-themed, so we thought our fellow dinosaur fans would enjoy both an exhibit and a show,” says Anne Mancour, marketing manager for Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium. “Visitors can go to the Ice Dinosaurs exhibit at Sloan Museum, then walk across the street to Longway Planetarium to see T.Rex, if their schedules permit.”

While dinosaurs are often associated with hot, jungle-like environments, ICE DINOSAURS challenges that familiar image by highlighting new discoveries about how dinosaurs survived millions of years ago in the harsh conditions of the Alaskan Arctic. Through life-size reconstructions, fossils, animatronics, and hands-on interactive elements, the exhibit blends paleontology and climate science to tell a lesser-known story of prehistoric survival.

“Most people think of dinosaurs living in hot, dry or jungle-like environments,” Mancour says. “But this exhibition presents a unique look at how ancient species adapted to one of the harshest environments on Earth, the Alaskan Arctic.”

The exhibit invites visitors to explore how polar dinosaurs endured cold, darkness, and snow, while also offering insight into how paleontologists uncover clues to Earth’s ancient past. Designed to be family-friendly and interactive, ICE DINOSAURS is recommended for ages 5 and up. 

Across the campus at Longway Planetarium, T.REX: The Greatest of All Tyrants delivers a cinematic experience that puts audiences face-to-face with one of history’s most famous predators, on a massive 60-foot dome screen.

“Longway Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Michigan with a mission to educate,” Mancour says. “With its sixty-foot dome, the movie action literally surrounds the viewer for a unique theater experience like no other.”

Narrated by actor Sam Neill, the giant-screen film tells the true story of a remarkable fossil discovery made by three young boys in the badlands of North Dakota. A film crew happened to be with them at the moment of discovery and throughout the excavation, allowing audiences to witness the find unfold in real time.

“The adventure of following three young boys as they uncover the find of a lifetime is very inspiring,” Mancour says.

Due to realistic scenes depicting dinosaur hunting packs and fights, T.REX is recommended for ages 10 and up, though parents may use discretion for younger viewers.

Beyond entertainment, museum leaders see the dinosaur attractions as a powerful way to spark curiosity and learning, especially for young people.

“Dinosaurs provide an opportunity to engage our communities in both science and history,” Mancour says. “We hope these experiences expand the public’s understanding of the largest creatures to ever walk the Earth, while inspiring a new generation of paleontologists and other scientists.”

That inspiration, she added, goes beyond the museum walls. “We want to inspire young audiences to go outside, turn over rocks, hike around, and be curious in nature.”

Both attractions are designed with accessibility in mind, offering discounted tickets for Genesee County residents and free admission for members, educators, active military members, and children under two. ICE DINOSAURS tickets are added to Sloan Museum’s general admission, while T.REX tickets are available separately, with combo-ticket options for visitors hoping to experience both.

Ultimately, Mancour hopes visitors leave with more than just photos and memories.

“We hope our visitors learn something new while having fun, which is always our goal,” she says. “Come by yourself to get really immersed in the details, or come with friends or family. Bottom line: enjoy the experience of learning with curiosity.”

More information and tickets for both dinosaur attractions are available at SloanLongway.org.