| The Smithsonian's
National Museum of Natural History opened the exhibition "Dinotopia"
on April 24. "Dinotopia" draws on the works of author and
illustrator James Gurney, whose stories tell of a fantastic world
in which humans live peacefully alongside dinosaurs. The exhibition
features original artwork from Gurney's best-selling series of Dinotopia
books that depict a lost island continent filled with an array of
dinosaurs long thought extinct. "Dinotopia" remains on view
through September 2.
The exhibition opens before the first episode of a six-hour live action television miniseries by Hallmark Entertainment inspired by Gurney's books. The Smithsonian's "Dinotopia" will include videos and models from the miniseries, which will air on the ABC television Network on May 12, 13 and 14.
'"Dinotopia' will captivate visitors of all ages with its detailed artwork, imaginative characters and interactive components," says Robert Sullivan, Associate Director for Public Programs at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. "The exhibition is the culmination of a long association between the Smithsonian and one of the world's foremost storytellers, James Gurney." With consultation from Smithsonian experts, Gurney incorporated suggestions for scientific accuracy into his stories so that the exhibition provides both and entertaining and educational experience for museum-goers. Exhibition Highlights
Michael Brett-Surman, Museum Specialist for Dinosaurs, and other Smithsonian staff worked closely with Gurney as scientific consultants on many of his paintings and writings. Brett-Surman advised the author on an array of subjects ranging from the appearance of the dinosaurs to the physical geography of Gurney's imaginary island. The exhibition will include captions for much of the original artwork detailing the science behind the story and exploring the interplay between fact and fantasy for visitors to the exhibition. "The Smithsonian's 'Dinotopia' will open the door to an exciting world where science and imagination are intertwined," said Sullivan. "'Dinotopia" will enable visitors to experience and understand both aspects of Gurney's creation." Dinotopia
is made possible through the generous support of Hallmark Entertainment |
"Dinotopia"
coincides with the 10th anniversary of the publication of Dinotopia:
A Land Apart From Time, the first in Gurney's series of books
detailing the utopian world of Dinotopia. The award-winning collection
of beautiful illustrations and spellbinding stories has been translated
into 18 languages and sold more than 3 million copies.