The king of the dinosaurs is stomping into a new era in Richmond. The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) is thrilled to announce that Stan the T. Rex, a life-size replica of one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered, has found a new permanent home at CMoR’s Downtown location on Broad Street.
Stan will inspire hundreds of thousands of children and families each year, offering an incredible encounter with the 40-foot-long, 14-foot-high T. rex. — the same length as a GRTC bus. As part of CMoR’s commitment to learning through play, his presence will connect young visitors’ natural curiosity to new opportunities for exploration, creativity, and discovery. Stan is the first of many exciting additions planned through the Museum’s current Dream Big Capital Campaign, marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter for CMoR thanks to the generous support of the community.
“As we think about the formative experiences from our youth, that ‘WOW’ factor is something that sticks with us,” says executive director Danielle Ripperton. “Discovering Stan in person will inspire questions, learning, career paths, and so much more as soon as children and families enter our Broad Street location. We are thrilled for BIG things to come at CMoR!”
Originally discovered in 1987 near Buffalo, South Dakota, the fossilized skeleton of Stan is considered one of the most complete T. rex specimens in the world, with 65% of its bones recovered. CMoR’s replica, crafted by paleontological experts at Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, captures every detail of the prehistoric predator’s towering frame.
This is the only full-size T. rex replica on display in Virginia, offering families an extraordinary, up-close encounter with one of Earth’s most iconic dinosaurs.
Stan previously resided at the Great Minds® Richmond office, inspiring their team in developing innovative curriculum to improve teaching and learning nationwide. Following a short stroll down Broad Street, Stan will now live at CMoR, where curiosity roars to life every day.
“Dinosaurs evoke awe in all of us,” said Lynne Munson, former CEO of Great Minds. “For years, Stan has inspired the Great Minds team to embed that awe into mathematics, English, and science curriculum used by students nationwide. I am thrilled to know that Stan will delight children, their families, and the broader Richmond community for years to come in his new home.”
True to the Museum’s mission to inspire growth in all children by engaging families in learning through play, Stan will be within reach for children and their caregivers across Central Virginia. Through access programs such as Museums for All, scholarship field trips, scholarship memberships, and Sensory-Friendly Nights, families will be able to experience the wonder of Stan, often at free or reduced cost.
Stan will also serve as a launchpad for future programming and engagement at the Museum. His presence will spark new opportunities for children to explore science, history, and their own imaginations, while connecting families to CMoR’s vision for inspiring play and learning in bold new ways.
About the Children’s Museum of Richmond
The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981, dedicated to inspiring growth in all children by engaging families in learning through play. With locations in Chesterfield and Downtown Richmond, CMoR offers a variety of exhibits and programs designed to promote the educational and developmental needs of all children.
