We started our morning off going back in time–150 million years back in time to be exact–at the American Museum of Natural History for a first look at the unveiling of a brand new specimen, and we have to say: it’s pretty dino-mite! (Sorry, too cheesy?)
The new addition to the museum is none other than a 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus skeleton. Known as Apex, the extremely well-preserved fossil measures 11.5 feet tall, 27 feet long, and is nearly 80% complete. It’s thought to be the largest and one of the most complete Stegosaurus specimens ever found, which is pretty extraordinary!
Apex was discovered in May 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper in the Morrison Formation just outside of the town of Dinosaur, Colorado, according to a press release. Mounted in a defensive pose with its multi-spiked tail raised in the air, the specimen features more than 254 bone elements of approximately 320 preserved–its missing pieces were filled in with 3D-printed and sculpted components.
Beyond its mind-blowing size and completeness, Apex is one of the few Stegosaurus specimens ever found that appears to have lived to an advanced age. And though more than 80 individual Stegosauruses have been accessioned by scientific institutions–the first of which was discovered in 1874 in the United Kingdom–there are very few substantially complete Stegosaurus skeletons representing a single individual such as Apex.
The fossil will greet visitors just inside the entrance to the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation in the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium. Dinosaur enthusiasts will have access to move around the mounted fossil, appreciating its massive scale from all angles. Next fall, the specimen will be relocated to the fourth floor where it will anchor a dramatic new entrance to the Museum’s famed fossil halls from the Gilder Center.
Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst and the one who is loaning Apex to AMNH, stated:
Apex offers a unique window into our planet’s distant past…I am grateful that millions of visitors and researchers will now be able to see and learn from this magnificent specimen of the Late Jurassic Period. The joy and awe every child feels coloring a Stegosaurus with their crayons will now be brought to life for the millions of people who have the opportunity to see this epic dinosaur in person.
Apex will be on display to the public beginning this weekend, Sunday, December 8th. It’s expected to be on view at the museum for total of four years, after which a cast of Apex will take the fossil’s place.
During its stay at the Museum, Apex will be studied as part of a new research initiative by scientists in the Museum’s Division of Paleontology focused on Stegosaurus biology, including the unique ornithischian dinosaur’s growth and life history.
🦕 Apex Stegosaurus
📍 AMNH – Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
🗓 On view beginning December 8, 2025 (will be on view for four years)