A 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil, known as Apex, will make its debut at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City this Sunday, December 8, New York Post reports.
The fossil will be on display for the next four years, where it will be featured alongside the museum’s collection of dinosaur skeletons. Following this period, a cast of Apex will take its place.
The fossil, which is one of the largest and most complete Stegosaurus specimens ever discovered, was unearthed near Dinosaur, Colorado, in May 2022. Nearly 80% of the bones are intact, making it a significant find in the field of paleontology. Apex measures 11 feet in height and stretches 27 feet from head to tail.
The specimen was purchased earlier this year for $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction, setting a record as the most expensive fossil ever sold. Billionaire Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel and a prominent supporter of scientific initiatives, acquired the fossil and has since loaned it to the museum for public display.
“I am thrilled to partner with the American Museum of Natural History to bring Apex to millions of visitors and researchers… This remarkable specimen offers a rare glimpse into the distant past, and I am excited for the public to experience it firsthand,” Griffin said.
Museum officials have expressed gratitude for Griffin’s generosity, recognizing his commitment to making the specimen accessible to the public.
“We are grateful to Ken Griffin for his support and for sharing this magnificent find with the world… We hope this display sparks further research and inspires future generations,” said Sean M. Decatur, president of the American Museum of Natural History.
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