Dippy on Tour

Visitors to the colourful and lively exhibition are able to eavesdrop on a conversation between Dippy and a little boy called Mike…

In autumn 2018 Dippy arrived in Belfast. The iconic Diplodocus, cast from London’s National History Museum, settled into the Ulster Museum for a 14
week holiday – the third stop in his UK-wide tour.

To help Dippy feel at home we worked with his friends at the Ulster Museum to design a fun and friendly environment where families
can meet the famous dinosaur and he can encourage their interest
in Northern Ireland’s own natural history and biodiversity.

Visitors to the colourful and lively exhibition are able to eavesdrop on
a conversation between Dippy and a little boy called Mike – a character based on the Ulster Museum’s own Dr Mike Simms, who had been captivated by the Diplodocus during a childhood visit to London 50
years ago.

The exhibition aims to foster a similar fascination with the natural
world within young visitors – perhaps even inspiring future Dr Mikes!

For many visitors this would be the first time they meet Dippy so we designed the exhibition to heighten the feeling of anticipation – devising a route into the gallery that builds to an exciting ‘reveal’ moment.

Sensitively combining visual elements from the NMNI brand and the Natural History Museum’s project identity, the interpretive graphics incorporate a bold and light-hearted mix of large illustrations and stencilled patterns, as well as stunning photography and interactive elements – creating a vibrant and inspirational sense of fun and adventure for young and old alike.

…we designed the exhibition to heighten the feeling of anticipation – devising a route into the gallery that builds to an exciting ‘reveal’ moment.