Crowns of the Cretaceous with Dr. Matt Wedel

(All Ages) The public is invited to a free presentation, Q&A and book signing with renowned paleontologist Dr. Matt Wedel at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Titled Crowns of the Cretaceous: The Horned Dinosaurs, Wedel’s discussion will focus on ceratopsian dinosaurs and the world‑class fossil specimens preserved at the museum — including a new Hollywood celebrity he helped to discover.

A leading sauropod specialist and co‑author of several landmark dinosaur discoveries, Wedel will discuss the origins and evolution of horned ceratopsian dinosaurs, including the famous Triceratops as well as the breakout star Aquilops americanus — the earliest known ceratopsian dinosaur in North America and most recently cast as “Dolores,” the pet‑like backpack dinosaur in Jurassic World: Rebirth. The program will also highlight the museum’s world‑famous Pentaceratops skull, the largest skull of any land animal ever discovered.

Dr. Wedel’s May 8 lecture is free and open to the public. No registration is required, and seating in the museum’s Great Hall will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.