Dinosaur Isle may still be completing its exciting programme of renovations, but families can look forward to a packed and prehistoric‑themed February half‑term as the museum takes its activities out into the community.
Work on the museum’s new roof and upgraded visitor spaces is now in its final stages, with improvements funded by a £498,000 Arts Council England grant and £180,000 from the Isle of Wight Council.
The transformation will bring brighter spaces, improved heating and air conditioning, and an all‑round better experience when the museum reopens next month.
Join a fossil walk
While the finishing touches are made, Dinosaur Isle’s much‑loved fossil walks will go ahead as normal.
Join one of the museums experts on:
- Monday 16th February – Meeting at 3pm at the Lazy Wave Cafe, Shanklin. Plenty of spaces still available.
- Tuesday 17th February – Meeting at 3pm outside the museum on Culver Parade, Yaverland. Spaces also available.
Walks cost £7 for adults, £4 for children, £5 for concessions, and family tickets are offered. To book, please call (01983) 404344, email [email protected], or visit ‘Fossil Walks’ on the Dinosaur Isle website for more details.
Free pop‑up sessions in Island libraries
To make sure no‑one misses out during half‑term, the Dinosaur Isle team will be hitting the road with a series of free pop‑up sessions in Island libraries.
Visitors will be able to:
- handle real Isle of Wight fossils and replica dinosaur bones;
- explore specimens under the museum’s interactive microscope;
- bring their own fossils along for expert identification;
- learn about the landscapes and creatures that shaped the Island millions of years ago.
It’s a chance for young explorers to meet everything from 125‑million‑year‑old dinosaurs to Ice Age animals, all without setting foot in the museum.
Upcoming sessions include free drop-in activities at:
- Monday 16th February – Lord Louis Library, 2pm-4pm;
- Tuesday 17th February – Ventnor Library, 2pm-4pm;
- Wednesday 18th February – Ryde Library, 2pm-4pm.
Button: We can’t wait to welcome everyone back very soon
David Button, the new curator and general manager at Dinosaur Isle, said,
“Although the museum doors aren’t quite ready to reopen, we didn’t want half‑term to pass without giving families the chance to connect with the Island’s incredible prehistoric past.
“So instead, we’re bringing Dinosaur Isle to the community.
“These walks and pop‑up sessions are a brilliant way for people of all ages to explore fossils, ask questions, and experience a taste of what’s to come once the refurbished museum reopens.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back very soon.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
