Not dinosaurs. Not birds. Meet the creatures that ruled the skies.

Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs explores the extraordinary story of the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight—flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs and dominated the skies for more than 150 million years.

From sparrow-sized flyers to giants with wingspans over 30 feet, this immersive exhibition brings these remarkable animals to life through full-scale models, rare fossil casts, and hands-on interactive experiences.

Whether you’re a curious explorer or a future scientist, discover how paleontologists uncover the secrets of these ancient aviators—and what they reveal about life on Earth.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

Giants of the Sky

Encounter full-scale models of pterosaurs ranging from small, bird-sized species to massive giants like Quetzalcoatlus northropi, one of the largest flying animals ever known. Explore the incredible diversity of more than 150 species that once filled the skies.

How Did They Fly?

Discover how pterosaurs became the first animals with backbones to fly under their own power. Learn about the science of lift, wing structure, and motion—and see how modern technology helps scientists study flight millions of years after it evolved.

Rare Fossils and Global Discoveries

See rare fossil casts from around the world and learn how paleontologists’ piece together fragile remains to understand these extraordinary animals. From fossilized trackways to rare eggs, each discovery reveals new clues about how pterosaurs lived.

Life on Land, Air and Water

Pterosaurs ruled the skies—but how did they live? Explore how they walked, hunted, and adapted to life across ancient coastlines, skies, and landscapes. Discover what they ate, how they moved, and how they survived in a world shared with dinosaurs.

Fly Like a Pterosaur

Take control in a motion-based interactive experience that lets you pilot a pterosaur through prehistoric environments. Feel the mechanics of flight and see the world from above—just as these ancient reptiles once did.

Inside the Science

Go behind the scenes of paleontology and learn how scientists use CT scans, digital modeling, and biomechanics to uncover how pterosaurs lived, moved, and evolved.

Don’t miss the extraordinary opportunity to discover the lost world, where giants ruled the skies!

Special Exhibition Ticket Required

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An exhibition by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org