Beyond the dinosaurs –A Series of Tours

An expert-led tour* of geological illustrations, palaeo plants, walk through geological time with Dr Jeremy Young, Gemma Woodfall.

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs are simultaneously a local south-east London community centrepiece, and internationally celebrated as the first major historical public engagement with the deep past.

However, discussions of the surviving models have focused almost entirely on the sculptures of dinosaurs and other fossil reptiles, with the other elements of the site being overlooked: the extinct mammal sculptures, the geological illustrations (the models of rock layers on and around the islands), and the palaeoplanting community project.

Our Beyond the Dinosaurs project delivers new and distinct ways for the public to engage with the deep past. For example, whilst discussions around the dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles tend to veer around strangeness and spectacle, other parts of the site can encourage deeper reflection on topics such as long-term climatic and environmental change and how we connect with and value the natural world.

Our LFA tours are an opportunity to hear about the site from experts. You will receive our new guidesheets on these neglected aspects of the site and get your questions on science and history answered.