Which dino features are better – horns, spikes or quills? Did T-rex actually have feathers? And how did some dinosaurs survive extinction?
When you think of a dinosaur you probably picture green or brown scales, maybe a spike or two. New research has allowed us to get a glimpse of the true, bizarre, and much more feathery nature of the evolution of the dinosauria.

The first UK showing of Dinosaur rEvolution explores the relationship between dinosaurs and birds in a colourful and fascinating exhibition, including five large animatronic models, many accurate cast fossil skeletons and skulls – some touchable, detailed graphics by the acclaimed artist Luis V Rey, dress up, games, and more.

Five giant animatronic models dominate this exhibit dedicated to imagining what dinosaurs really looked like

You can rarely go too long at the Horniman without encountering some form of prehistoric life: following its recent ‘Permian Monsters’ and ‘Brick Dinos’ exhibitions, 2024 sees it play host ‘Dinosaur rEvolution’. Based around five showstopping animatronic models – including a seven-metre-long T-Rex – the general idea is that it’s compliant with current scientific thinking on what these creatures looked like: so lots of feathers, basically, alongside quills, spikes and all sorts of vibrant colours. Alongside the moving monsters will be various games and activities, plus a smattering of casts of actual fossils, including skeletons of velociraptor and compsognathus. If you haven’t yet got the message that the Jurassic Park-slash-World films were very wrong about what dinos looked like, you hopefully will after this.

Exhibition tickets cost £9 for adults, £4.50 for children. Free for under 3s.