By Isle of Wight Observer
Families can still enjoy a prehistoric half-term despite renovation work at Dinosaur Isle, as the museum takes its activities out into the community.
Work on a new roof and upgraded visitor areas is in its final stages, funded by a £498,000 grant from Arts Council England and £180,000 from the IW Council. The improvements include brighter spaces, better heating and air conditioning, and an enhanced overall visitor experience when the museum reopens next month.
In the meantime, the museum’s fossil walks will continue. Walks take place on Monday, February 16, meeting at 3pm at the Lazy Wave Café in Shanklin, and Tuesday, February 17, meeting at 3pm outside the museum on Culver Parade, Yaverland. Prices are £7 for adults, £4 for children and £5 for concessions, with family tickets also available. Booking can be made by phone via 404344, email dinosaur@iow.ac.uk, or through the Fossil Walks section of the Dinosaur Isle website.
The team will also host free pop-up sessions in Island libraries during half-term. Young visitors will be able to handle real Isle of Wight fossils and replica dinosaur bones, examine specimens under an interactive microscope, bring their own finds for identification, and learn about the landscapes and creatures that shaped the Island millions of years ago.
Sessions take place at Lord Louis Library on Monday, February 16 from 2pm to 4pm, Ventnor Library on Tuesday, February 17 from 2pm to 4pm, and Ryde Library on Wednesday, February 18 from 2pm to 4pm.