If you thought dinosaurs only existed in books and movies, well, it’s time to think again. You have until June 28 for a thrilling encounter you won’t soon forget. Head tothe Atelier des Lumières, this former industrial space transformed into a temple of digital art in the 11th arrondissement, to see Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs.
An immersive experience… as if you were really there
“Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs ” is much more than just an exhibition: it’s a journey back in time, 66 million years ago, where the walls and floors of the former foundry transform into lush jungles, arid deserts, mysterious oceans, and volcanic landscapes. The real added value, of course, is the immersive nature of the exhibition design: you can move freely around the hall, walk on lava, sit on benches or on the floor, and almost feel the ground crackling beneath your feet.
Thanks to 360° projections and cutting-edge technology, you find yourself surrounded by life-size prehistoric creatures, including the legendary Tyrannosaurus rex—a magnificent 13-meter-tall specimen— giant pterosaurs, marine mosasaurs, andcolossalDreadnoughtus —whose name means “the one who fears nothing.” To add to the monumental feel, life-size silhouettes of children and adults allow visitors to compare themselves to these monsters.
The dinosaurs aren’t static; they move around us, and the realism is simply breathtaking. No surprise there: it’s brought to you by Culturespaces, experts in immersive experiences, in collaboration with the London-based studio Lightroom, and adapted from a hit series of the same name on Apple TV. In short, a stellar lineup.
A captivating narrative
To make the experience even more immersive, Gérard Lanvin lends his voice to this prehistoric adventure. He guides us with a rich and accessible narration, as if a living encyclopedia were whispering the secrets of the dinosaurs in our ears. And behind this visual symphony? A soundtrack by Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman, and Kara Talve for Fingers Bleeding Music, which lends an epic grandeur to the roar of the giants.
For explorersof all ages
Whether you come with family, friends, as a couple, or even on your own, the exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. It lasts about 50 minutes, is divided into 6 stages (the Age of Giants, the Tree of Life, Raising the Young, Monsters of the Mind, Uncovering the Past, and Patterns of Evolution), and alternates between spectacular scenes and educational moments, based on the latest scientific discoveries about the lives of dinosaurs.
Moreover, the focus is on the importance of reconstructing the past through the study of fossils. A family tree helps us trace connections between different species by comparing them to birds. For each new species presented, you have access to its information card. Their origin, diet, habitat, size, anatomy, geography… This allows us to piece together a puzzle to better understand their way of life.
Did you know that some dinosaurs had feathers? That they moved in herds? Scenes from their lives, such as the impressive courtship display of the brachiosaurs, the birth or confrontation of T-rexes, an Edmontosaurus attacked by a tyrannosaur in the middle of a nighttime forest, or the threat to baby dinosaurs —they’re absolutely adorable—by the Rajasaurus, a carnivorous dinosaur that could measure up to nine meters long.
In addition to the main projection, the Children’s Workshop offers an interactive space where the youngest visitors 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 allows them to create sound effects by touching the walls, further enhancing their interaction with the space. In short, the exhibition offers different levels of engagement for children, adults, and experts alike. Both fun and Instagram-worthy, it provides a total immersion in the fascinating world of dinosaurs!
Practical Information
📅 Dates: Through June 28; open during school breaks on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays; outside of school breaks, open Sundays only.
📍Location: Atelier des Lumières, 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris
🚇 Access: Metro lines 3, 9 (Rue Saint-Maur, Saint-Ambroise stations)