Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology — Alberta's premier fossil museum

Collections and exhibits

The museum presents fossil skeletons, prepared specimens, trace fossils and interpretive displays that emphasize both local discoveries and global palaeontological themes. Galleries typically include mounted dinosaurs, marine reptiles, plant fossils and interactive displays that explain fossilization and geological time. On display are fossils sourced from nearby field sites such as Dinosaur Provincial Park and other fossil-rich outcrops within Alberta's sedimentary formations.

Research, preparation and conservation

Beyond its exhibitions, the institution functions as an active research facility. Staff palaeontologists, technicians and students work in preparation labs that are often accessible to the public, allowing visitors to observe fossil cleaning, stabilization and restoration. Research focuses on taxonomy, stratigraphy, paleoecology and taphonomy, with specimens and data made available for scientific study and publication.

Location and geology

Situated a short drive from the town of Drumheller and within reach of Calgary, the museum sits amid the badland exposures that yield abundant fossils. Many of its specimens come from the fossil-bearing strata of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation and other Upper Cretaceous deposits; these layers preserve a record of landscapes, flora and fauna from tens of millions of years ago (Upper Cretaceous) and are part of a broader sequence of fossil-rich rocks (fossil-bearing strata).

History and name

The museum is named in honour of early Canadian geologist Joseph Burr Tyrrell, whose late 19th‑century discoveries helped launch systematic fossil collecting in the region. Since opening, it has grown into a provincial and international resource for palaeontology, carrying out fieldwork, curating collections and supporting education programs.

Visitor experience and significance

Visitors can see complete skeleton mounts, watch hands-on laboratory work, attend talks and take part in seasonal digs or interpretive programs. The museum plays an important role in public science education, regional tourism and the preservation of Alberta's fossil heritage, and it serves as a hub for collaboration among scientists, students and the wider public.

Highlights

• Extensive collections: Hundreds of thousands of specimens spanning multiple groups of ancient organisms.
• Active research: On-site palaeontology labs and published scientific work.
• Educational programs: Tours, school programs and hands-on experiences for all ages.
• Location: Embedded in one of the world's richest fossil regions, with field sites accessible for research and interpretation.

For more practical details, exhibitions and program schedules consult the museum's official resources and affiliated tourism pages via the links above.