St. Louis Prehistoric
Life Show
A day of fossils, deep time, and discovery at the Saint Louis Science Center. Bring the whole family.
Meet the people who dig St. Louis's deep past
Local fossil clubs, museums, and universities with real specimens, plus the Trading Post and the coloring table.
See who's comingPrehistoric life, through an artist's eye
A gallery of paleoart, including Lola, a giant T. rex skull sculpture by Nicki Mizell, as featured in Smithsonian Magazine.
See the gallerySee what a lifetime of collecting looks like
Real fossil collections on exhibit, from Pennsylvanian sea life to fluorescent minerals.
Explore the collectionsBring your fossil. We'll tell you what it is.
The Fossil Road Show and Mizzou's geology tables, with real experts ready to take a look.
Learn moreLive talks and demos, all day long
Fossil presentations, paleoart demonstrations, and yes, a volcano show.
See what's on stageGet your hands dirty
Sort gravel for fossils and split Green River slabs looking for fish.
Kids' activitiesThe Science Center has fossils of its own
The prep lab, the Earth Sciences gallery, the animatronics, and two dinosaurs that have been outside since 1987.
Science Center highlightsPlan your visit
Forest Park, with free parking at the Planetarium next door.
Directions and parking
Fossils belong to everyone
No tickets. No barriers. Just ancient life, brought into the open. Learn what the day is about and who makes it happen.
About the show
Fossils belong to everyone
The St. Louis Prehistoric Life Show is a free, one-day celebration of ancient life at the Saint Louis Science Center. It brings together fossil collectors, paleontologists, educators, students, and curious visitors of all ages for a day of exhibits, hands-on discovery, and community connection.
The show is built around the idea that fossils belong to everyone. No tickets. No barriers. Just ancient life, brought into the open.
Who makes it happen
The show is organized by the SLPLS volunteer committee dedicated to making paleontology accessible across St. Louis and beyond. It is brought to life by the many fossil clubs, museums, universities, and community groups who take part.
Plan your visit
Forest Park, St. Louis
Free surface parking at the Planetarium, connected to the event by bridge and tunnel. Paid parking at the main building, plus limited free street parking nearby.
Eight rooms, one day
The program is organized by room. Here is what you will find in each space. The Energy Stage schedule is coming together and will be posted as talks and demos are confirmed.
Energy Stage
Live presentations and demonstrations through the day.
- Fossil Presentations
- Paleo Artists at Work
- Volcano Show
Dig Site
Hands-on fun for younger fossil hunters.
- Gravel sorting for fossils
- Splitting Green River slabs for fossil fish
Dinosaurs
The atrium, home to tables from the participating organizations.
- Meet local clubs, museums, and universities
- View a complete list of organizations
Dino Den
The Paleoart Gallery, plus a showstopper.
- Lola, the T. rex skull sculpture by Nicki Mizell, as featured in Smithsonian Magazine
- Patrick May
- Patrick Weck, Blue Mask Art
T. Rex Room
Fossil collections on exhibit.
- The Crinoid Papers Collection
- The Sutton Lake Neosho Collection
- McConkey Fluorescent Mineral Collection
Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab
Watch Science Center staff prepare real fossils.
- Live preparation work throughout the day
Earth Sciences
The Science Center's permanent earth science displays.
- Open for exploring all day
May Hall
Lower level, with the road show and university tables.
- Fossil Road Show
- University of Missouri activity and interpretive tables
Participating organizations
The St. Louis Prehistoric Life Show is built through partnership. These organizations bring fossils, deep time, and natural history education to the show.
Get in touch
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