Edelman Fossil Park & Museum to Open in 2025, Offering Unique Window into Dinosaur Extinction Event

The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University is scheduled to open in March 2025, offering visitors an unparalleled journey through Earth's prehistoric past with a primary focus on the age of dinosaurs and the period surrounding the asteroid impact that led to their extinction 66 million years ago. What sets this facility apart is its unique feature as the only known preserved fossil ecosystem from the exact moment of this cataclysmic event, providing scientists and visitors alike with a snapshot of life at one of the most pivotal moments in Earth's history.

Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, founding executive director of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, emphasizes the significance of the site as a gateway to a breathtaking chapter of Earth's history that opens a window onto the profound and pivotal events of the fifth mass extinction, during which the dinosaurs and 75% of species perished, shaping the modern world as we know it. The museum boasts an impressive array of features designed to engage visitors of all ages, including immersive galleries showcasing stunning reconstructions of giant prehistoric species and their environments, along with hands-on learning experiences in the Discovery Forest and Critter Cove with live animal encounters.

Perhaps most exciting is the opportunity for visitors to participate in real fossil digs, both in the museum's indoor fossil hunt powered by RFID technology and in the active research quarry on-site. Additional attractions include a free-roaming virtual reality experience, a museum store, café, theater, scenic nature trails, and a paleontology-themed playground, ensuring that the facility will cater to a wide range of interests and learning styles. The museum's location in southern New Jersey is particularly significant due to the region's rich paleontological history, with over 100,000 fossils from more than 100 species unearthed at the site, including remains of mosasaurs, marine crocodiles, sea turtles, and sharks.

This wealth of prehistoric material underscores the area's importance in understanding Earth's past and makes the museum a valuable resource for scientific research. Beyond its role as an educational institution, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness through eco-friendly features including geothermal and electric systems that significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This focus on sustainability extends to the museum's mission, which aims to inspire visitors to take action towards creating a greener future for our planet.

The creation of the museum was made possible through a generous donation from Rowan University alumni Jean & Ric Edelman, with design by Ennead Architects, KSS Architects, and G&A, and landscape design by SEED Design/Yaki Miodovnik. As the opening date approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a world-class destination for scientific discovery and interactive learning that will become a significant contributor to paleontological research and public science education. For more information about the museum and upcoming ticket sales, interested parties can visit efm.org.