Two years ago, for a thrilling few months, the prehistoric world roared back to life in Cologne with Jurassic World: The Exhibition. This immersive experience, inspired by the 2015 blockbuster film, transported visitors to Isla Nublar, offering a unique opportunity to encounter life-sized dinosaurs in incredibly realistic environments. For anyone who attended, it was an unforgettable journey into a world millions of years in the making.
The exhibition meticulously recreated key locations from the Jurassic World film, crafting a truly immersive and educational adventure. Upon entering, visitors were immediately swept into the ambiance of the park, with the iconic score and atmospheric lighting setting the scene.
The Ferry to Isla Nublar
The journey commenced with the illusion of boarding a ferry destined for Isla Nublar. Video projections and carefully crafted sound effects built anticipation, effectively transporting guests from Cologne to the heart of Jurassic World before they even saw their first dinosaur.
The Brachiosaurus Encounter
Walking through the iconic Jurassic World gate, one of the first awe-inspiring encounters featured the towering Brachiosaurus. These gentle giants, brought to life with incredibly detailed animatronics, showcased the immense scale of these herbivores. Visitors stood in awe of their long necks reaching towards the ceiling, marveling at the realistic texture of their skin and the subtle movements of their massive bodies.
The Stygimoloch Paddock
Moving deeper into the exhibition, visitors encountered the Stygimoloch Paddock. This section offered a closer look at this smaller yet equally fascinating dinosaur tucked away in a transporation cage. The exhibit highlighted their unique, dome-shaped heads, crowned with a ring of horns, with information panels detailing their behavior and place within the Jurassic World ecosystem.
The Hammond Creation Lab
Inside the Hammond Creation Lab, visitors could explore how the dinosaurs were brought back to life. This area featured glowing amber, embryo chambers, and even baby dinosaurs in incubators. Interactive screens allowed guests to learn about DNA extraction and genetic engineering, making this section both informative and immersive.
The Raptor Training Paddock
A definite highlight for many was the Raptor Training Paddock, a high-tension zone that plunged visitors into the heart of a perilous encounter. Here, guests found themselves waiting alongside the notorious raptor squad, who were confined within their formidable holding pens. The air was thick with anticipation as these intelligent predators sniffed the air and emitted low growls, their keen senses reacting to the proximity of human visitors.
The brief, nerve-wracking wait intensified the experience before guests were swiftly ushered into the direct presence of Velociraptor Blue and her trainer, making for an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled moment that brought the film’s iconic scenes to life.
The Baby Dinosaur Encounter
A heartwarming section followed with the Baby Dinosaur Encounter, featuring the adorable baby Ankylosaurus, affectionately known as Bumpy from the Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous series. This offered a softer, more endearing encounter amidst the larger, more imposing dinosaurs, demonstrating the surprising diversity of life within Jurassic World.
The Indominus Rex Enclosure
The exhibition then moved to the exhibit dedicated to the Indominus Rex, Jurassic World’s ultimate predator. This enclosure was designed to evoke a strong sense of danger. The colossal animatronic, with its glowing red eyes and menacing roars, powerfully emphasized the destructive capabilities of this genetically engineered hybrid and the chaos it unleashed in the film.
The Gyrosphere Valley
Next, visitors found themselves in the Gyrosphere Valley, which served as a holding zone before the ultimate encounter with the Tyrannosaurus Rex. This area provided intriguing information about the iconic gyrospheres used for park exploration, detailing their design and safety features. Visitors also had a fantastic photo opportunity here, allowing them to sit inside an actual gyrosphere replica and capture a memorable moment, adding to the immersion before the grand finale.
The Tyrannosaurus Rex Kingdom
Finally, the exhibit culminated with the awe-inspiring Tyrannosaurus Rex Kingdom. This was the grand finale, where visitors came face-to-face with the undisputed king of the dinosaurs. The animatronic T-Rex was a monumental spectacle, meticulously designed for hyper-realism. Visitors were confronted with a creature embodying lifelike movements, combined with powerful sound effects, creating an incredibly immersive and almost visceral experience.
Exit through the Gift Shop
The immersive journey through prehistoric times concluded with the inevitable gift shop, offering a chance for visitors to take home a tangible piece of Jurassic World: The Exhibition. Exclusive merchandise included a souvenir book, poster, postcards of the Jurassic World attractions and exclusive Funko Pops sets.
Did you get a chance to visit one of the Jurassic World Exhibitions that are touring the world? Let us know in the comments!