Diplodocus Cast

Overview

The Diplodocus Cast, affectionately known as 'Dippy', is a truly iconic representation of prehistoric life, deeply intertwined with the Natural History Museum in London. For over a century, this colossal plaster cast of a *Diplodocus carnegii* skeleton captured the imaginations of millions, standing as the grand centerpiece of the museum's Hintze Hall. While the original plaster cast of Dippy is currently on a national tour and long-term loan, its spirit and legacy remain a fundamental part of the museum's identity. Today, a striking bronze replica named 'Fern' graces the museum's gardens, ensuring that the presence of this magnificent sauropod continues to inspire visitors.

Dippy is not a collection of original fossilized bones, but an exquisitely crafted replica of the skeleton of *Diplodocus carnegii*, a species of long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur that roamed the Earth approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. Its sheer scale, measuring about 26 meters (85 feet) in length, offers a humbling perspective on the ancient giants that once lived.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the Diplodocus Cast at the Natural History Museum begins in 1898, with the discovery of the original *Diplodocus carnegii* skeleton in Wyoming, USA, by railroad workers. This discovery caught the attention of Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who acquired the bones for his museum in Pittsburgh. In 1902, King Edward VII, having seen a sketch of the impressive dinosaur at Carnegie's home, expressed a desire for a similar specimen for the British Museum (which later became the Natural History Museum).

Carnegie generously commissioned and donated a plaster-of-paris cast of the dinosaur, paying £2,000 for its creation. The 292 cast pieces arrived in London in 36 crates in January 1905 and, after months of meticulous assembly, Dippy was unveiled to the public on May 12, 1905. Its arrival was a significant cultural event, marking the first Diplodocus ever displayed to the world. For 112 years, Dippy held pride of place in the museum, first in the Reptile Gallery and, from 1979, as the undisputed star of Hintze Hall.

What Makes It Special

What makes the Diplodocus Cast so special is not just its impressive size or its scientific representation, but its profound cultural impact. Dippy quickly became a national treasure and a beloved symbol of the Natural History Museum, sparking an interest in palaeontology and the natural world for generations of visitors. Its presence in the grand Hintze Hall was an awe-inspiring welcome, instantly transporting visitors back to the Jurassic era.

The cast is also notable for its accuracy and the pioneering effort involved in its creation and transport in the early 20th century. It served as a scientific and diplomatic gift, part of Andrew Carnegie's 'dinosaur diplomacy', with several other casts sent to major museums worldwide. This global distribution helped make 'dinosaur' a household word, and for many, Dippy was their very first encounter with such a creature.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• Dippy's full scientific name is *Diplodocus carnegii*, named in honour of Andrew Carnegie.
• The name 'Diplodocus' comes from ancient Greek words 'diplos' and 'dokus', meaning 'double beam', referring to the unique chevron bones on the underside of its tail.
• The original discovery of the Diplodocus skeleton in Wyoming happened on July 4, 1899, leading to its initial nickname 'The Star-Spangled Dinosaur'.
• Dippy is made up of 292 bones, significantly more than the 206 bones in an adult human skeleton.
• During World War II, Dippy was carefully disassembled and stored in the museum's basement to protect it from bomb damage, highlighting its immense value.
• In 2017, Dippy was controversially removed from Hintze Hall to make way for a real blue whale skeleton, 'Hope', a decision that sparked public petitions to 'Save Dippy'.
• Following its removal, Dippy embarked on a highly successful UK-wide tour, 'Dippy on Tour', visiting eight venues and seen by over two million people, inspiring engagement with nature across the country.

Visitor Perspective

While the original plaster cast of Dippy is not currently in Hintze Hall, its presence has been reimagined. From 2017 to 2021, the beloved cast toured the UK, inspiring millions. It made a temporary return to the Natural History Museum in 2022 for a special exhibition, 'Dippy Returns: The Nation's Favourite Dinosaur'. As of late 2023, the original Dippy plaster cast is on a long-term loan at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry, where it will delight visitors until February 2026.

For those visiting the Natural History Museum in London today, a magnificent bronze cast named 'Fern' now stands proudly in the museum's newly transformed gardens. This new permanent installation, unveiled in 2024, ensures that the enduring symbol of the Diplodocus continues to welcome and engage visitors to this world-renowned institution. The museum itself remains a treasure trove of natural wonders, with the impressive blue whale skeleton 'Hope' now dominating Hintze Hall, surrounded by countless other exhibits across its zones dedicated to Earth's history, biodiversity, and scientific research.