A landmark exhibition featuring Colchester’s first-ever real dinosaur skeleton is set to open to the public following a surprise national TV reveal.
The six-metre fossil, dubbed “Juliasaurus”, was unveiled to viewers across the UK during a special segment on The One Show on BBC One on April 1 at 7pm.
The feature introduced the remarkable specimen ahead of its debut in Colchester.
Now, the dinosaur will take centre stage at the new “Discover: Museum Wonders” exhibition at Hollytrees Museum, opening on April 3.
The fossil, discovered in the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation in Wyoming, USA, is already being described as one of the most significant dinosaur finds in recent years.
Early research suggests it could even represent a completely new species never known before to science.
The exhibition marks a major milestone for Colchester Museums and the town itself, bringing a globally important specimen to Colchester for the very first time.
Alongside Juliasaurus, visitors can explore a wide range of intriguing objects uncovered from Colchester’s past.
These include prehistoric fossils, so-called “witch bottles” believed to ward off evil spirits, and concealed shoes once hidden beneath floorboards for protection — all offering insight into centuries of local superstition, belief and scientific discovery.
A pop-up Dino Store will also feature dinosaur-themed books, toys and gifts, aimed at families and enthusiasts.
Due to the historic size of the museum’s Georgian galleries, entry will be managed with timed ticketing, and three two-hour slots available each day from Monday to Saturday.
Demand has surged following the national television exposure, and organisers are urging visitors to book in advance.
Pamela Donnelly, Chief Executive of Colchester City Council said:
“We are incredibly proud to open this once‑in‑a‑lifetime exhibition to the public. To welcome Juliasaurus – making its global debut right here in Colchester – is an extraordinary moment for our city. The excitement following yesterday’s national TV feature shows just how special this exhibition is. We're very grateful to everyone that has allowed this extraordinary specimen to be publicly displayed for the first time, here in Colchester and can’t wait for visitors, from families to fossil enthusiasts, to step into the world of discovery that awaits at Hollytrees Museum.”
The loan of Juliasaurus has been facilitated by the David Aaron Ltd, and director Salomon Aaron expressed pride saying:
“We are thrilled to be working with Hollytrees Museum on the historic loan of ‘Juliasaurus’ for the Discover: Museum Wonders exhibition. This will be the first dinosaur fossil ever displayed in Colchester making this project all the more meaningful for us and I hope for the local community.”
The exhibition is expected to draw significant crowds, placing Colchester firmly on the map for dinosaur enthusiasts and cultural visitors this spring.
