Tickets are now on sale for the new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University (EFM) in South Jersey—and it’s as big and prehistoric as it sounds.
The venue, which explores the world of dinosaurs, is set to open to the public on March 29, and with it comes 44,000 square feet across 123 acres overlooking a 4-acre fossil-rich quarry.
“Our goal with the museum is to bring back that childlike sense of wonder and help people feel a deeper connection to the incredible history of our planet,” said Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, founding executive director of the Edelman in a statement.
“Right here in South Jersey, we’ve preserved millions of years of history in stunning detail, with each fossil telling its own unique story. We want visitors to feel like they’re stepping into the world of dinosaurs and walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference for the future.”
Alongside its exhibits, the world-class institution will also include a unique fossil dig experience, a free-roam virtual reality adventure, personalized interactive encounters, and a dinosaur-themed playground. As a release notes, the goal is to offer a unique blend of scientific discovery and exploration for all ages.
Located 20 minutes from Philadelphia, highlights of the EFM include a Dinosaur Coast Gallery (an interactive environment depicting the lives of East Coast dinosaurs from 66 million years ago) and the Monstrous Seas Gallery (an immersive underwater journey through the primitive depths of the Cretaceous ocean, featuring a 55-foot mosasaur and other species found on the Fossil Park’s property.)
Visitors can also find the Critter Cove and the Discovery Forest. The former allows families to meet the modern-day relatives of different and well-known Cretaceous creatures, while the latter boasts a nature-themed adventure that explores the Earth’s history and evolution. The Discovery Forest ultimately ends at the venue’s TED-Ed theater, where “animated films make science come alive.”
The new Edelman Fossil Park & Museum also features the Hall of Extinction & Hope. As a release describes, this “inspiring” exhibit explores the Fifth Extinction, the catastrophic moment when an asteroid impact ended the reign of the dinosaurs, and different action steps to save our planet for future generations.
Upon opening, there’s also the Virtual Reality portion (which is classified as a Premium Experience.) This free-roam VR journey follows an Expedition Voyager mission to collect scientific samples and come face-to-face with dinosaurs and Cretaceous creatures. Other amenities at Edelman span the Quarry Grounds Cafe, Darwin & Co. Retail Store, Outdoor Nature Trails, Cretaceous Gardens, outdoor family activities and plenty more.
Additionally, EFM’s Quarry Dig Experience (another premium add-on), happens to be the mega-popular attraction that inspired the creation of the museum in the first place.
With the dig, visitors can experience paleontology by digging for real fossils and explore the ongoing scientific work being conducted by Rowan scientists and students. Learning guides throughout the site will be there to provide context, and this 90-minute experience includes an orientation, the dig itself, and fossil identification with the venue’s Fossil Guides.
This particular portion of the museum will be open seasonally from May to October, and digs will officially begin on Thursday, May 1. It’s recommended to book your spot well in advance as well.
General admission tickets ($24-$29) to the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum give you all-day access to the museum’s galleries including full-scale dinosaurs, an interactive fossil scavenger hunt, and all of the exhibits mentioned before. With the free-roaming Expedition Voyager virtual reality or the Quarry Dig Fossil Experience (prices vary), guests may make a reservation by selecting a visit date and entry time during purchase. Premium add-on availability is based on your entry time.
To find out more information on Edelman (66 Million Mosasaur Way, Sewell, New Jersey) visit efm.org
