Dinosauria

About the museum

The museum grew out of a scientific discovery. In the early 1980s, paleontologists Éric Buffetaut and Jean Le Loeuff of the Université Paris VI began excavating one of France's richest fossil sites a few kilometres from Espéraza. Since then, thousands of bones have been recovered and several new species described, including the titanosaur Ampelosaurus atacis in 1995.

The museum opened in June 1992 and is run by the association Dinosauria, which is dedicated to paleontological research and to showcasing this heritage. Its collections comprise several tens of thousands of specimens of fish, turtles, crocodiles, dinosaurs and birds, and are open to researchers from around the world.

The trail covers about 3,000 m². The Evolution Gallery tells the story of life long before the dinosaurs, while the halls present dinosaurs from around the world and then those from the Aude, with life-size reconstructions. A Cretaceous greenhouse recreates the vegetation of 72 million years ago, and the laboratory is visible from this space. Since 2010, a large animated Tyrannosaurus rex, donated by the Cavin family, has had its own 300 m² space.

The association earns almost all its income from admissions, the shop and memberships, which fund its research.

Highlights

• Ampelosaurus atacis, a titanosaur discovered in the Aude, shown as an animated reconstruction
• Life-size animated Tyrannosaurus rex in a 300 m² space
• Evolution Gallery and Cretaceous greenhouse
• Paleontology laboratory visible from the greenhouse
• Dino-Récré, play and activity area for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Tyrannosaurus et les mondes perdus – A 300 m² space devoted to the life of T. rex, from the discovery of its first bones to its fame, with a life-size animatronic.
• Halle aux dinosaures de l'Aude – Animated reconstruction of Ampelosaurus atacis and history of the regional discoveries, with a Cretaceous diorama.
• Halle aux dinosaures du monde – Herd of dinosaurs from every continent, including a 22-metre Mamenchisaurus and a Quetzalcoatlus.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Association Dinosauria

Visitors per year

approx. 37,560

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid all day, with free exit and re-entry. The Pass Culture and ANCV holiday vouchers (paper and connect) are accepted. Online booking is possible, or buy at the reception desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum states that it is wheelchair-accessible. Dogs are welcome if they are calm and kept on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

During the school holidays in Zone C, 45-minute workshops are offered in French: dino puppets (ages 3 to 5), paleontological digs (ages 7 to 12) and footprint casting (ages 5 to 12). The Dino-Récré area invites children to play, draw and learn. Birthday parties can be held from age 6, with at least 5 children, by reservation and outside school holidays: €10.50 per child, three accompanying adults free.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Museum shop. A picnic area is located right in front of the museum, and several restaurants are in the village.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit