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Giant robotic dinosaurs to meet the public at Science Museum piazza (with photos)
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     A gigantic robotic model of one of Asia's largest dinosaurs has arrived at the lower piazza of the Hong Kong Science Museum. Thirty metres long, 10 metres high and roaring like a real dinosaur, the spectacle is sure to prove highly popular with the public over the coming weeks.

     The Curator (Exhibit) of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Ms Karen Sit, explained that this life-like giant is based on the Daxiatitan binglingi, which lived in Asia in the Early Cretaceous Period. The gigantic replica and its robotic companions, two Pterosaurs and a family of three Stegosauruses, are now standing in the museum piazza. Prominent exhibits of the "Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs" exhibition to be launched at the museum next month, the robot dinosaurs have taken the lead in showing their faces to the public.

     Ms Sit said, "Daxiatitan binglingi is a member of the gigantic dinosaur species Titanosaurus, recently discovered in Gansu, China. It had a huge body and was among the heaviest creatures to walk on the earth. The three robotic Stegosauruses on display include a mother dinosaur and her two baby dinosaurs. The mother Stegosaurus is about 7 metres long and 3 metres high, with a swaying head and tail. The robotic Pterosaurs are standing on a large boulder with their bodies swaying and long beaks opening and closing, getting ready to take flight. These robotic dinosaurs are constructed with a life-like appearance, posture and movement.

     "This is the first time that such gigantic robotic dinosaurs have been put on display outdoors in Hong Kong. While seeing these robotic dinosaurs, visitors can also use their smartphones or tablet applications to view virtual dinosaurs walking in the museum's piazza area, and of course they can also take pictures on them to share with their friends."

     In addition to the six robotic dinosaurs, the exhibition will feature other robotic dinosaurs in the exhibition hall. The audience can witness lifelike dinosaur activities and learn more about their eating habits.

     The "Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs" exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Science Museum from November 8 to April 9, next year. With a floor area of 2 500 square metres, the exhibition is Hong Kong's largest and most diverse dinosaur exhibition. Divided into four sections, namely the Dinosaur Fossils Gallery, Multimedia Theatre, Robotic Dinosaurs Park and Dinosaur Fossils Excavation Site, the exhibition will feature more than 160 exhibits, about half of which will comprise fossilised dinosaur skeletons, vertebrae and eggs. Other highlights include life-size dinosaur models, robotic dinosaurs and interactive exhibits.

     State-of-art technology will be employed, including interactive exhibits for Object Recognition and Real-time 3D Rendering, to enhance the educational and interactive appeal of the exhibition. Fun-filled computer games and interactive exhibits have also been designed and produced. For example, visitors can use their smartphones to unlock information, with an audio guide and animations of certain exhibits.

     Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, the "Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs" exhibition is solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and is the third exhibition in the 2013 Hong Kong Jockey Club Series. It is also one of the highlight programmes of "Vibrant Hong Kong" under the territory-wide "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign.

     The standard admission fee for the "Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs" exhibition is $20. Full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above are eligible for half-price concessionary tickets at $10. Groups of 20 persons or above can obtain a 30 per cent discount, with each ticket priced at $14. The museum will also introduce special combined tickets for this exhibition. Visitors who purchase standard-rate tickets for the thematic exhibition and the permanent exhibition will get a $5 discount. The price of the combined ticket at standard rate is $40. Prices for the concessionary combined ticket and the group combined ticket are $20 and $28 respectively. Free admission on Wednesday is not applicable for this special exhibition.

     The Hong Kong Science Museum is located at 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. It is open from 10am to 7pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. On Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve, the museum will open at 10am and close at 5pm. It is closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year.

     For details of the exhibition and related programmes, please visit the Hong Kong Science Museum's website: hk.science.museum/ms/lgd/eindex.html or call 2732 3232.

Ends/Friday, October 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:12

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