A family of Pteranodon sternbergi, winged reptiles from the Late Cretaceous, has taken up permanent residence in the entrance lobby of the newly renovated Yale Peabody Museum. The life-sized models of these prehistoric creatures are set to welcome visitors when the museum reopens on March 26 after a four-year transformation.
The decision to feature Pteranodon sternbergi in the museum's lobby was inspired by the fact that renowned Yale paleontologist and Peabody founder O.C. Marsh discovered the first Pteranodon fossils. According to Peabody Director David Skelly, "Given that famed Yale paleontologist and Peabody founder O.C. Marsh discovered the first Pteranodon fossils, we thought it fitting to have them welcoming people into the museum."
The family of Pteranodon sternbergi displayed in the lobby consists of a male and female, along with their two babies. The male Pteranodon skeleton boasts a wingspan of 20 feet, positioned as if ready to take flight from the information desk. The female Pteranodon, significantly smaller in size, guards the babies nestled on a ledge under a window.
The Peabody Museum has undergone a comprehensive renovation, expanding its galleries by more than 50% and introducing new research spaces and educational facilities. The museum now offers free admission to all visitors and aims to provide a dynamic center for learning and research, showcasing the evolving narrative of life on Earth.
Among the museum's attractions are iconic dinosaur and prehistoric mammal fossils, including the first-ever Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus skeletons displayed in modern poses reflecting the latest scientific understanding of these ancient creatures. The Pteranodon fossils on exhibit were discovered by Marsh in 1871 in western Kansas, marking the first pterosaurs found outside of Europe.
The striking size difference between the male and female Pteranodon models highlights sexual dimorphism within the species. The female's skull crest is shorter and rounder compared to the male, showcasing distinct characteristics between the genders. Additional fossil displays, such as a skull of a female Pteranodon longiceps, can be found in the Peabody's Burke Hall of Dinosaurs.
To visit the renewed Peabody Museum and witness the winged reptile family in the main lobby, guests can pre-book visits through the museum's website.
