If you thought dinosaurs only existed in books and films, get ready to see them roar again… right in the heart of Paris! A spectacular new immersive exhibition has opened atAtelier des Lumières, the former industrial space transformed into a temple of digital art in the 11ᵉ arrondissement.
An immersive dive… as if you were there
” Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs – The Immersive Experience ” is much more than just an exhibition: it’s a journey back in time, 66 million years in the past, where the walls and floors of the former foundry are transformed into lush jungles, arid deserts, mysterious oceans and volcanic landscapes. The real added value, of course, is the immersive dimension of the scenography: you can move freely around the room, walk on lava, sit on benches or on the floor, and almost feel the ground crackle beneath your feet.
Thanks to 360° projections and cutting-edge technology, you’ll find yourself surrounded by life-size prehistoric creatures, including the mythical Tyrannosaurus rex, a beautiful 13-metre-high baby, giant pterosaurs, marine mosasaurs andcolossalDreadnoughtus– its name means “he who fears nothing”. To add to the monumental aspect, life-size silhouettes of children and adults allow visitors to compare themselves with these monsters.
The dinosaurs don’t stand still, they evolve around us, and it’s simply breathtakingly realistic. And of course, it’s made by immersion experts Culturespaces, in collaboration with London studio Lightroom, and adapted from the successfulApple TVseries of the same name . In short, it’s a real winner.
A captivating narrative
To make the experience even more immersive, Gérard Lanvin lends his voice to this prehistoric adventure. He guides us through a rich and accessible narration, as if a living encyclopedia were whispering the secrets of the dinosaurs into our ears. And behind this visual symphony? A soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve for Fingers Bleeding Music, giving epic relief to the roar of the giants.
For explorersyoung and old
Whether you come as a family, with friends, as a couple or even solo, the exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. It lasts around 50 minutes, is divided into 6 stages (the era of the giants, the tree of life, raising the little ones, monsters of the mind, unearthing the past and evolutionary patterns) and alternates spectacular scenes with educational moments, based on the latest scientific discoveries about the life of dinosaurs.
The emphasis is on the importance of reconstructing the past through the study of fossils. A family tree helps us to draw links between the different species, by comparing them to birds. Each new species presented is accompanied by a presentation map. Their origins, diet, habitat, size, anatomy, geography… This allows us to put together a puzzle to better understand their way of life.
Did you know that some dinosaurs had feathers? That they moved in herds? Life scenes such as the impressive courtship of brachiosaurs, the birth or confrontation of T-rex, an Edmontosaurus attacked by a tyrannosaurus in the middle of the night forest, or the threat to baby dinosaurs – they’re absolutely adorable – by the Rajasaurus, a carnivorous dinosaur measuring up to nine meters long.
In addition to the main screening, L’Atelier des Enfants offers an interactive area where youngsters can put theory into practice, and let their imaginations run wild. They can color and animate their own dinosaurs, which are then projected onto the walls. This feature also generates sound animation by touching the walls, to further interact with the space. In short, the exhibition offers different levels of interpretation for youngsters, adults and experts alike… As much fun as it is Instagrammable, it offers total immersion in the fascinating world of dinosaurs!
Practical information
📅 Dates: Until February 28, 2026
📍Location: Atelier des Lumières, 38 rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
🚇 Access: Metro lines 3, 9 (stations Rue Saint-Maur, Saint-Ambroise)
