IDAHO FALLS — The Museum of Idaho is taking visitors back nearly 290 million years in time. Their new exhibition, “Life Before Dinosaurs: Meet the Permian Monsters,” opened recently, showcasing the fascinating Permian Era.
This exhibit is packed with fossils, hands-on displays, and life-sized models of ancient creatures. Artwork by Julius Csotonyi brings the landscape and life of that time to life.
Exploring the Permian
Rod Hansen, the museum’s exhibition director, emphasizes that the creatures in this exhibit aren’t dinosaurs. “We’re going further back,” he says. The Permian period reveals unique creatures that helped bridge the gap to the dinosaurs, like the Dimetrodon. This creature had a most unusual appearance, which might surprise many visitors.
According to paleontologists, the Permian period is crucial in understanding evolution. It’s when early mammals and reptiles began to take shape. Camille Thomas, the museum’s marketing director, highlights how this exhibit is a departure from previous dinosaur-focused events. “Many people don’t know about the Permian period,” she adds, giving visitors a new layer of understanding about prehistoric life.
A Deep Dive into Prehistory
The Permian Era lasted about 45 million years, a staggering time span. To put it in perspective, if Earth’s history were a calendar, the Permian would start in November. Hansen notes that this long history reminds us how briefly humans have existed in comparison.
The exhibit also addresses a significant event: “The Great Dying.” This mass extinction around 252 million years ago wiped out nearly 90% of all species, including a shocking 96% of marine life. This extinction took a long time—about 80,000 years. Hansen explains, “Some species adapted to survive by going underground.”
Engaging Programs for All Ages
The museum plans to offer interactive programs for both adults and kids. One fun initiative is called “Museum Mysteries,” where participants can solve puzzles related to the exhibits. “It’s a great way for families to engage,” says Thomas. Many activities are also available in Spanish, making this a truly inclusive experience.
With all the stories and insights wrapped up in the “Life Before Dinosaurs” exhibit, visitors have a chance to learn about a time long before the first dinosaurs roamed the Earth. You can discover more about this exhibit at the Museum of Idaho website.
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