Base31 opened a new exhibit last weekend that will appeal to kids of all ages and all those who are kids at heart.

Research Castings International, in Trenton, is among a small handful of companies globally that produce museum- quality models of fossils, skulls, vertebrae, prehistoric mammals, and great works of art. RCI works with museums around the world, including the ROM in Toronto and the Smithsonians in Washington, D.C., to create displays of exceptionally high quality.

A skeletal example of a Saurophaganax. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

“The idea to use the Drill Hall in this way came out of a conversation we had at a concert here this summer,” recounts Assaf Weisz, the Base’s Chief Placemaker. “They were getting exhibits returned from around the world, and they suggested that before it all went into storage, we could pull them together and exhibit in the fantastic space the Drill Hall offers.”

“Let’s face it, everyone turns into a kid around Dinosaurs. We were excited at the possibilities.”

In a Night at the Museum twist, a Hallowe’en themed party October 28 will take place in and around the giant casts. “It will be the same exhibit all dressed up for hallowe’en, spooky and fun,” laughed Mr. Weisz.

The Base also opened a large, half-acre Sensory Garden on the weekend, created by Wild Child Regeneration’s Jessica Pelchat. The interactive space is designed to appeal to all five senses, and encourages nature-based play. Another beautiful space to appeal to kids of all ages. The garden is free and open to the public. The Dino exhibit is $8.00 for kids 5-17 and $12 for adults. It is open to the public on the weekends only, Friday through Sunday. School tours are encouraged! Contact Base31 for details.

—Staff