Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology Celebrating the history of life on Earth, from the tiniest grain of pollen to the mightiest dinosaur. Comment rules: http://alberta.ca/SMComments

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is owned and operated by the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

REMINDER: Seniors’ Week begins on Monday, June 1. Seniors aged 65+ can enjoy complimentary admission to the Royal Tyrre...
05/31/2026

REMINDER: Seniors’ Week begins on Monday, June 1.

Seniors aged 65+ can enjoy complimentary admission to the Royal Tyrrell Museum from June 1 – 7.

We look forward to meeting participants in our exclusive seniors’ programs on June 3!

Haven’t registered? There are still spots available: https://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/whats_on/special_events/seniors-programs

Our exhibits are filled with hidden surprises, from a salamander peeking out from under a log in Cretaceous Alberta, to ...
05/29/2026

Our exhibits are filled with hidden surprises, from a salamander peeking out from under a log in Cretaceous Alberta, to the little Ophisaurus, a snake-like lizard displayed in the Cenozoic gallery.

Although it resembles a snake, Ophisaurus is actually a limbless lizard. This genus of lizard still exists today in parts of North America and Asia. This fossil was found in south-central Saskatchewan.

Why do these crocodile skulls look so different? Besides belonging to two different species, the skulls represent differ...
05/27/2026

Why do these crocodile skulls look so different?

Besides belonging to two different species, the skulls represent different taphonomy processes. Taphonomy is the study of how organisms become fossilized.

There are many reasons why the second crocodile skull is better preserved. The first skull might have been scavenged after death, or left to rot on the surface before being buried and fossilized. It’s also possible the first specimen was exposed to the elements for longer after fossilization, further deteriorating before being discovered and collected.

It’s Trilobite Tuesday! These creatures lived between ~520 – 252 million years ago. They may look like bugs, but trilobi...
05/26/2026

It’s Trilobite Tuesday! These creatures lived between ~520 – 252 million years ago. They may look like bugs, but trilobites are extinct marine arthropods (related to modern-day horseshoe crabs). Did you know 22,000+ species of trilobites have been described?

This ‘Midland Monday’ animal hardly needs an introduction. When you visit the Museum, you’re most likely to meet the Ric...
05/25/2026

This ‘Midland Monday’ animal hardly needs an introduction. When you visit the Museum, you’re most likely to meet the Richardson’s Ground Squirrel, also known as a ‘prairie dog.’

As tempting as it may be to touch and feed these tiny rodents, it is against the law in our parks and can be harmful to you and the animal. Ground squirrels play an important role as prey for native species such as hawks, owls, snakes, and weasels.

Did you know five species of tyrannosaurs have been found in Alberta? Charles M. Sternberg discovered the first Dasplet...
05/23/2026

Did you know five species of tyrannosaurs have been found in Alberta?

Charles M. Sternberg discovered the first Daspletosaurus (pictured here) in 1921, although Sternberg’s field notes indicate he believed it was a Gorgosaurus specimen.

Later research published by Dale Russell scientifically named Daspletosaurus in 1970. This tyrannosaur lived in Alberta ~77 – 75 million years ago.

Learn more about 88 species of dinosaurs discovered in Canada in this Canadian Encyclopedia article co-authored by our Dr. François Therrien: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dinosaurs-found-in-canada

Art by Julius Csotonyi.

On this day in 1799, Mary Anning was born. At the young age of 12, Anning’s keen eyes led to the discovery of the first...
05/21/2026

On this day in 1799, Mary Anning was born.

At the young age of 12, Anning’s keen eyes led to the discovery of the first known ichthyosaur—a large marine reptile. Five years later, she found the first Plesiosaurus macrocephalus (also a marine reptile), and the first British example of a pterosaur (a flying reptile). Keep in mind, this happened well before the word “dinosaur” was coined in 1842.

Anning’s groundbreaking work helped set the stage for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. However, as a woman, she was unable to join the Geological Society of London, despite finding some of England’s finest fossils.

Have you witnessed this bird’s broken-wing act? Our visitors and staff often spot Killdeer in the badlands around the M...
05/19/2026

Have you witnessed this bird’s broken-wing act?

Our visitors and staff often spot Killdeer in the badlands around the Museum. Their eggs blend in with the flat, open ground where these birds make their nests. If a nest is approached, both parents will put on elaborate acts to draw potential predators away. This can include feigning a broken wing and crying out loudly.

It’s International Museum Day! The Royal Tyrrell Museum is proud to shout out our fellow provincial museums, which inclu...
05/18/2026

It’s International Museum Day! The Royal Tyrrell Museum is proud to shout out our fellow provincial museums, which include Royal Alberta Museum, Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Re*****on Carriage Museum, and Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.

This image shows ‘Calli,’ Canada’s best-preserved, most complete Triceratops skull. Museum staff found this specimen along Callum Creek, a tributary of the Oldman River, roughly two hours south of Calgary.

Address

Hwy 838, Midland Prov Park
Drumheller, AB
T0J0Y0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

+14038237707

Website

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