The press was invited to a preview of the newest exhibit at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum this morning. It’s a 14,000 square foot permanent exhibit with 20 completed skeletons and over 300 fossils. The highlight (the world’s only) is a trio of T-Rex’s ranging from the youngest complete specimen to Thomas the T-Rex himself. Excuse us, we’re still giddy. Giddy!

We’ve been to New York’s Natural History Museum – Chicago’s Field Museum – the Smithsonian – Museum of the Rockies – you name it. This is bigger, better and newer. Usually when it comes to LANHM it’s just “closer.” As you walk through the displays there’s this odd sensation that overcomes you; it’s something that can be described as a swelling of civic pride. Our city just got cooler in a nerdy prehistoric way. You know, in a museum way.

It opens to the public on July 16. If you camp out in line we won’t judge you…much. Here’s their site.