M. Varun, who was on his first visit to the Government Museum, Egmore, on Monday, was startled when he heard a strange noise coming from the Zoology gallery.
He was all in awe when he saw a dinosaur that came alive at the museum.
The replica of a tyrannosaurus was the cynosure of all eyes as visitors poured in to take a look at the new exhibit that can move and emit noise. Several people took photographs and videos of the mammoth animal when it was in action and moved its tail.
“I forgot it was just an exhibit as it was so real when it moved and blinked its eyes. I am planning to bring my children next week. It will be a new experience for those who have seen exhibits behind glass enclosures,” said Priya from Thirumullaivoyal.
The 4-metre tall tyrannosaurus, which weighed 6.8 tonnes, existed about 68 million years ago. Officials at the museum said that the novel exhibit was inaugurated on Monday. Costing Rs. 15 lakh, the exhibit is made of silica gel to make it look realistic. A sensor enables the dinosaur, which is operated with a touch of a switch, to continue its performance when people move closer.
The museum at present receives about 1,000 visitors daily and double the number during weekends. This new exhibit is expected to draw more crowds. The exhibit will perform at the zoology gallery every one hour.