The World's Largest Triceratops Fossil BIG JOHN roars into Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa

Get ready to go nose to nose with Big John, the World’s Largest Triceratops, in an exciting new and immersive exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Downtown Tampa.

Big John has arrived at Tampa's Glazer Children’s Museum, the largest documented triceratops skeleton ever discovered!

Discovered in South Dakota's Hell Creek geological formation, Big John is as big as an RV, he's nearly 26 feet long and 10 feet high. He roamed the planet during the Late Cretaceous more than 66 million years ago and is estimated to be 5-10% larger than any other known triceratops.

Big John actually holds the Guinness World Record for the largest documented skeleton of a triceratops.

Visitors will find a 2,000-square-foot exhibit with seven interactive stations, such as a magnetic wall puzzle of Big John’s bones, a replica of his horned head that kids can touch, and tunnels with clear domes, where visitors can pop up and get a closer look at the skeleton from underneath.

There is also a scanning station where kids can color a picture of a dinosaur that gets scanned into a wall projector. A moment later, an egg appears on the screen and the kid’s dino “hatches” and their drawing comes to life. The name written on the paper hangs over the dinosaur as it roams across a jungle scene.

Tampa businessman Sidd Pagidipati and his wife Ami bought Big John for nearly $8 million, and have allowed the Glazer Children’s Museum to put him on display as part of the new interactive exhibit.

Sarah Cole, President & CEO of Glazer Children's Museum said "We are so thankful to the Pagidipati family for their generous loan, which will spark an interest in dinosaurs and science with young learners and the entire Tampa Bay community."

The Paleontologist Walter Stein who found Big John in South Dakota is happy that he's found a new how in Tampa, he commented, “To be in a children’s museum here is phenomenal. This is hopefully going to inspire hundreds and thousands of kids to get into the sciences to become interested in paleontology and geology and ancient life."

The Glazer Children’s Museum has changed its admission policy now that Big John is on display, with all ages now welcome to visit the museum and get up close and personal with Big John.

The interactive museum’s new Big John exhibit is included with admission but timed tickets are require .

Admission: $18 for everyone over the age of 1 (Age 1 and younger free)

$2 off for military, first responders, educators and seniors.

FOR MORE DETAILS: glazermuseum.org.

For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day.

You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.

Please Note:

Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida.

We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.