New Spinosaurus Species to Debut at Chicago Children's Museum

Rare inland discovery of the large, fish-eating dinosaur to be showcased

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A newly discovered species of Spinosaurus, named Spinosaurus mirabilis, will go on display at the Chicago Children's Museum starting March 1. The fossil was uncovered by a team led by Dr. Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago, found hundreds of miles inland from where similar remains are typically located. The discovery is featured on the cover of the journal Science, and Sereno will speak at the exhibit's opening.

Why it matters

The discovery of this new Spinosaurus species in an unexpected inland location provides valuable insights into the prehistoric habitat and migration patterns of this large, carnivorous dinosaur. The exhibit will give Chicago-area families and children a rare opportunity to see this remarkable fossil up close.

The details

The Spinosaurus mirabilis fossil was discovered by a team of paleontologists led by Dr. Paul Sereno of the University of Chicago. Researchers say the remains were found hundreds of miles inland from the present-day African shoreline, where most fossils of the large, fish-eating dinosaur have previously been located. Scientists have described the discovery as a rare and unusual find among theropod dinosaurs.

  • The exhibit opens at 2 p.m. on March 1, 2026.
  • The discovery of the Spinosaurus mirabilis fossil is featured on the cover of the journal Science.

The players

Dr. Paul Sereno

A paleontologist at the University of Chicago who led the team that discovered the new Spinosaurus species.

Chicago Children's Museum

The museum that will be hosting the exhibit featuring the newly discovered Spinosaurus mirabilis fossil.

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What they’re saying

“The discovery of this new Spinosaurus species in an unexpected inland location provides valuable insights into the prehistoric habitat and migration patterns of this large, carnivorous dinosaur.”

— Dr. Paul Sereno, Paleontologist, University of Chicago (Science)

What’s next

Sereno is expected to attend the exhibit's opening on March 1 and speak about the once-in-a-lifetime discovery.

The takeaway

The exhibit at the Chicago Children's Museum will give local families and children a rare opportunity to see this remarkable Spinosaurus fossil up close, providing a unique educational experience and insights into the prehistoric world.