The locale has changed, but the mission is the same at the T-Rex Museum: Expose folks to prehistoric creatures and give them hands-on experiences in a world from millions of years ago.
The museum recently opened at new digs, 100 E. Drachman St., about half-mile from its old location on Main Street.
"It just looks nicer and is more economically efficient for us," said Executive Director Sam Breidenbach, who said the museum moved because the old building was really run-down.
"It needed some extensive repairs, and for that to happen we were going to have to be closed for about four to six weeks," he said. "It was just time for a change."
Sporting a new look and feel, the museum famous for taking you back about 570 million years, even before dinosaurs ruled the terrain, is about to embark on its new journey. Open in its new location for about two weeks now, the T-Rex Museum is preparing for its first big event — Dino-fiesta.
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Dino-fiesta, which runs Saturday-Feb. 12, will coincide with the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase and will feature guest speakers, fossil vendors and a pair of raptors. That's in addition to ongoing events, which include fossil digs with real take-home fossils, a mega- surround-sound theater that shows dinosaur movies and dinosaur replicas.
Camille Finn said she believes that the new location is much better suited for museum goers.
She recently celebrated her son's eighth birthday at the new location and said that she was pleasantly surprised at what a good time they had.
"We took a tour that was absolutely great. It was very educational and fun," said Finn as she compared the adventure to her experiences at the old location.
She said she enjoyed the museum's décor.
"It was really different," she said, describing the old building as a warehouse. She said the new building is warmer and more inviting.
Breidenbach said that the fundamental idea hasn't changed — that's to explore and learn prehistory.
"What's different is the atmosphere, the level of comfort and the cost for upkeep," he said.
In addition to the upcoming Dino-fiesta, the museum will hold a Dinosaur Valentine celebration Feb. 11-12 and Dinosaur Rodeo Time Feb. 23-26.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for all ages. Call 792-2884 for more information.
quick take
T-Rex Museum on the Move
Where: 100 E. Drachman St., a block east of North Stone Avenue, on the south side of Drachman
How much: $5 admission for all ages
Times: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
Contact: 792-2884 or visit www.trexmuseum.org
