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You Can See Actual Fossils of Ancient Humans At The Perot Museum In Dallas

Dig deeper into the ancient human story and our shared history with the groundbreaking traveling exhibit Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.

Looking for more great places to take kids? Check out these 15 Frugal and FREE Kid-Friendly Museums in Dallas Fort Worth.

This once-in-a-lifetime engagement will invite guests to come face-to-face with the actual fossils of Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi – two recently discovered species of ancient human relatives that are shaping our understanding of the origins of humanity. 

Created in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in South Africa and the National Geographic Society, the 5,000-square-foot traveling exhibition will explore the dramatic discovery of these fossils that have never been displayed outside of South Africa – and likely never will again.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and see Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind:

The Malapa fossil site lies on a slope above a grassy plain.

See Ancient Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind at the Perot Museum

Dig deeper into the ancient human story and our shared history with the groundbreaking exhibit Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.

What is Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind, Perot Museum’s Newest Traveling Exhibit?

Presented in English and Spanish, the traveling exhibit will feature interactive experiences, a simulated excavation site, and the intriguing stories of the diverse, multinational scientific teams who excavated both discoveries under the leadership of world-renowned paleoanthropologist Professor Lee Berger of Wits University. 

This exhibition will mark the first time ancient hominin fossils have traveled for public display since “Lucy” (Australopithecus afarensis) between 2007 and 2013. Wits University is the official custodian of the fossils.

CRADLE OF HUMANKIND, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, OCTOBER 2010: Views of the Malapa range on the Malapa Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 29 2010. Australophithicus Sediba was found at the Malapa site 18 months ago and has gone on to become perhaps the most important early hominid find in history. Matthew Berger is credited with finding the first Homind fossil at the site, a find which led to a major new Hominid genus being discovered. A juvenile male is emerging largely intact as well as an adult female and it appears there are at least 4 other skeletons at the site. This is the largest find of its kind in history and may rewrite the books on how we view early relations to humankind. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Reportage for National Geographic Magazine.)

About Wits University. Wits is a global leader in the paleosciences, one of its key research areas. Wits’ research output has increased by over 45% in the last four years with more than 85% of its research published in international journals. Wits’ latest research available at wits.ac.za/research.

About the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate the wonder of the world, define critical challenges and catalyze action to protect our planet since 1888. To learn more, visit nationalgeographic.org.

About the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The top cultural attraction in Dallas/Fort Worth, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a nonprofit educational organization located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. Future scientists, mathematicians and engineers will find inspiration and enlightenment through 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors of public space; a children’s museum; a state-of-the art traveling exhibition hall; and The Hoglund Foundation Theater. To learn more, please visit perotmuseum.org.

A paleoanthropologist with his son and dog who discovered fossil bone.

About Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind Perot Museum Traveling Exhibit

Featuring fossils of two recently discovered ancient human ancestors ­– described as “one of the greatest fossil discoveries of the past half century” – the exhibition will likely be the only time they leave South Africa for display.

Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind  presented by Highland Capital Management  runs Oct. 19, 2019, through March 22, 2020.

How do I buy tickets to the Perot Museum?

You will need to purchase a general admission ticket, in addition to the special exhibit entrance fee. Purchase tickets here.

General admission tickets cost: $20 for non-members (discounts for members, law enforcement and first responders, educators, and low income families)

Special exhibit tickets cost: $10

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is located at: 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, TX

See Ancient Human Fossils at the Perot Museum’s Newest Traveling Exhibit in Dallas

Dig deeper into the ancient human story and our shared history with the groundbreaking traveling exhibit Origins: Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. mary

Do you plan on visiting this traveling exhibit at the Perot Museum? Let us know in the comments below.

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