Fossil Site Hall of Zigong Dinosaur Museum to reopen after major upgrade

The Fossil Site Hall of the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Zigong city, Sichuan province, is set to reopen in late July following a comprehensive renovation that combines heritage conservation with cutting-edge digital technologies to enhance visitors' experience.

The museum invited representatives from media outlets on July 3 to visit and preview the upgraded venue, which has completed its renovation.

Known for its distinctive architecture, the Fossil Site Hall was conceived around the image of a cluster of massive boulders from a primordial world. Viewed from afar, the building resembles a giant rocky cavern, while from above it takes on the shape of a reclining dinosaur, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The latest renovation preserved the hall's iconic appearance while significantly strengthening its structure and upgrading its facilities. The project included fossil specimen relocation, specialized protection of the fossil site, reinforcement of the main structure, replacement of the metal roofing, refurbishment of exterior walls and installation of energy-saving photovoltaic equipment, laying a stronger foundation for the long-term preservation of the world-renowned dinosaur fossil site.

Alongside the architectural overhaul, the museum has completely redesigned its permanent exhibition. The new exhibition is organized into five sections: "A Century on Dinosaur Trails," "A Groundbreaking Discovery," "A Glimpse into Deep Time," "Treasures Preserved for Hundreds of Millions of Years" and "Protection and Inheritance," featuring the history of dinosaur discoveries in Zigong, scientific research and conservation achievements, and the site's academic significance and ongoing preservation efforts.

One of the renovation's most notable achievements is the comprehensive upgrade of its digital exhibition system. The museum has integrated a range of advanced technologies, including glasses-free 3D displays, floor projection, interactive mixed reality (MR) experiences, transparent OLED sliding screens and laser projection, to dynamically present the evolution of dinosaurs and recreate ancient geological environments.

Among these innovations, the interactive MR system allows visitors to view animated three-dimensional dinosaur reconstructions superimposed directly onto the fossil site through the use of handheld devices. The technology progressively restores dinosaurs from skeletal structures to lifelike skin textures, offering an immersive experience that brings fossils buried for hundreds of millions of years vividly back to life.

The museum has also upgraded its security and visitor services. A comprehensive protection system combining personnel, technology and intelligent monitoring has been established to safeguard the fossil collection, museum facilities and visitors. Accessibility has also been improved as part of broader efforts to build a leading dinosaur-themed cultural and tourism destination integrating scientific education, heritage conservation and public services.