PARIS.- At the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, visitors are transported to the Jurassic Era in an extraordinary, immersive experience. “Jurassic Illuminated” invites the public to explore the world as it existed 200 million years ago through a nighttime exhibition celebrating the biodiversity of the Jurassic Period.
A Journey Through Time and Biodiversity
During the Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago), the supercontinent Pangaea was breaking apart, reshaping the planet and its ecosystems. Marine organisms spread across emerging oceans, pterosaurs ruled the skies, and early birds, mammals, and plants underwent remarkable diversification. The exhibition captures this era’s essence through a series of life-sized, illuminated structures depicting marine reptiles, terrestrial dinosaurs, flying creatures, and early mammals.
The exhibition showcases the intricate details of these creatures, many of whose fossils are part of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle’s extensive collection of over 10 million specimens. Through five recreated Jurassic environments, visitors can experience the era’s diversity in a scientifically accurate and visually stunning way.
Explore Five Jurassic Worlds
The Deep Blue
Begin the adventure in the oceans of the Early Jurassic, where marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs swim alongside ammonites and belemnites. Radiolarians, microscopic marvels, drift with the currents. This underwater world teems with life that feels familiar yet belongs to a distant past.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Descend into the dark abyss of the Middle Jurassic, where bioluminescent squids and jellyfish illuminate the depths. Unique organisms thrive near hydrothermal vents, demonstrating the resilience of life in extreme conditions.
The Mysterious Island
Surface in a Jurassic lagoon, part of an archipelago reminiscent of today’s Bahamas. Corals, octopuses, and crustaceans populate the shallow waters, while feathered dinosaurs like Archaeopteryx compete with pterosaurs for dominance of the skies.
The Valley of Wonders
Venture inland to a lush valley crisscrossed by rivers. Though iconic dinosaurs like T. rex have yet to appear, the landscape is vibrant with cycads, towering conifers, and diverse prehistoric flora. Dinosaurs of this time are no less impressive than their later counterparts.
The Marshland Inhabitants
Conclude the journey in a dense, swampy forest on the cusp of the Cretaceous Period. Towering turiasaurs roam alongside agile ornithomimosaurs, while crocodiles, turtles, and amphibians thrive in the wetlands.
A Collaboration of Science and Art
The exhibition is the result of a year-long effort by a dedicated team of 30 researchers, scientific illustrators, and project leaders. Directed by Professors Gaël Clément and Sylvain Charbonnier, experts in paleontology, and Cyril Roguet, Director of the Jardin des Plantes, the team has seamlessly combined scientific accuracy with creative artistry.
An Exhibition for All Ages
With hundreds of monumental light installations, including animated displays, “Jurassic Illuminated” offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Blending education and entertainment, this exhibition is a must-see for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about our planet’s prehistoric past.
