Immerse yourself in this interactive exhibition and explore the remarkable diversity of
pterosaur species. Travel back in time and take off with these prehistoric kings of the air
who ruled the skies during the time dinosaurs dominated the land. Discover the mysterious
world of pterosaurs in this exciting exhibition where you can explore hands-on interactive
apps, see rare fossils, walk under life-size models, and soar through the skies over
prehistoric landscapes as you pilot your own pterosaur in the Virtual Flight Lab.
L.A. skies will never be the same when Pterosaurs takes flight at NHM.
Explore Pterosaurs
What is a Pterosaur?
Pterosaur is pronounced ter•UH•sor. These extraordinary creatures are flying reptiles that
flourished 66 to 220 million years ago. They flew with their fingers. They walked on their
wings. Some were gigantic; others could fit in the palm of your hand.
How Did Pterosaurs Fly?
Millions of years ago the skies were ruled by pterosaurs, the first animals after insects able to
fly. Imagine looking up at the sky to see a pterosaur as big as an F-16 fighter jet flying
through the air. Though close cousins of dinosaurs, they had streamlined bodies, narrow jaws,
and long forelimbs adapted for life in the air.
Take an Inside Look
Pterosaurs are making their way across the country and this summer they will be soaring to L.A.
Get an inside look into the amazing world of pterosaurs and learn how you can fly like one when
you come see the exhibition.
Pterosaurs of all sizes
Pterosaurs all had the same basic body plan, but varied dramatically in size. Some were as small
as a bird, while others were as large as a plane.
Preondactylus pree•on•DAK•til•us
When: 220 million years ago
Where: Near an inland sea in what is now northern Italy
Food: Insects or fish
Wingspan: 18 inches
Preondactylus pree•on•DAK•til•us
When: 220 million years ago
Where: Near an inland sea in what is now northern Italy
Food: Insects or fish
Wingspan: 18 inches
Pterodaustro tair•o•DOW•stro
When: Around 100 million years ago
Where: Along the shores of lakes in what is now central Argentina
Food: Small arthropods, crustaceans, and mollusks
Wingspan: About 8 feet
Pterodaustro tair•o•DOW•stro
When: Around 100 million years ago
Where: Along the shores of lakes in what is now central Argentina
Food: Small arthropods, crustaceans, and mollusks
Wingspan: About 8 feet
Jeholopterus jeh•ho•le•OP
When: Around 130 million years ago
Where: A forest in what’s now northeastern China
Food: Probably insects
Wingspan: 3 feet
Jeholopterus jeh•ho•le•OP
When: Around 130 million years ago
Where: A forest in what’s now northeastern China
Food: Probably insects
Wingspan: 3 feet
Quetzalcoatlus ket•zel•KWAT•a•lus
When: Around 67 million years ago
Where: On a plain in what is now western Texas
Food: Possibly small vertebrates or carrion
Wingspan: Around 33 feet
Quetzalcoatlus ket•zel•KWAT•a•lus
When: Around 67 million years ago
Where: On a plain in what is now western Texas
Food: Possibly small vertebrates or carrion
Wingspan: Around 33 feet
Pteranodon ter•AN•o•don
When: Around 85 million years ago
Where: Over a large seaway covering what is now central North American
Food: Fish
Wingspan: Up to 20 feet
Pteranodon ter•AN•o•don
When: Around 85 million years ago
Where: Over a large seaway covering what is now central North American
Food: Fish
Wingspan: Up to 20 feet
Events
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs - Family Days
Saturday, July 16 & Sunday, August 14
10:00am-3:00pm
Forget the beach. This summer NHM is celebrating pterrific pterosaurs! Let your imagination
soar with a visit to our special exhibition, Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of
Dinosaurs. Bring the family and take part in special weekend programming to learn
more about these prehistoric kings of the sky. Meet Museum paleontologists, see rare
specimens from our collections, and spread your creative wings with hands-on activities!
Free with Museum admission. Additional ticket required to see the Pterosaurs
exhibition.
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs - Paleo Ptalks
Tuesday, July 12 & Thursday, August 25
Paleo Adventures! Field Stories by Real Paleontologists
Speaker: Dr. Nathan Smith
Tuesday, July 12
Join us for an evening with NHM’s Dinosaur Institute paleontologists as they share their
adventures from the field – the good, bad, and the gnats. Following the discussion, take a
tour of our Dinosaur Hall and special exhibition, Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of
Dinosaurs.
The Making of Pterosaurs
Speakers: Dr. Mark Norell and Dr. Alexander Kellner
Thursday, August 25
It started as a fascination for pterosaurs and ended with a beautiful special exhibition.
Just how was Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs developed? Learn about the
making of the special exhibition with paleontologists and curators Mark Norell, of the
American Museum on of Natural History, and Alexander Kellner, of the Museu
Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro/ Brazil.
Registration available soon, check back again for more details.
Schedule: 6:00 PM: Doors open 7 PM: Discussion/Lecture followed by Q&A 8 PM:
Explore Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs exhibition
TICKETS: Members
$10 Nonmembers $12 Ticket price includes admission to Pterosaurs: Flight in the
Age of Dinosaurs exhibition and free parking in the car park
Members
It’s never been a better time to be a Member at NHM. Members have the opportunity to see
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs first and they get to see it for FREE
all exhibition long.
Member preview days: Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2
