LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville's Triceratops has been officially installed in its new home in downtown Louisville.
A large crane hoisted the 26-foot long, 4,800-pound, blue and green dinosaur on top of the parking lot elevator to the pedway over West Washington Street.
The Kentucky Science Center's Chief Executive Officer Mike Norman said that the roof on top of the elevator building was reinforced and built up to support the massive dinosaur.
"It's actually bigger than I remember." Norman said.
Norman said the dinosaur had lots of maintenance done to it in storage including a new paint job and having its tail re-attached.
He is very excited for everyone to see the Triceratops in its new home as they drive on I-64.
Norman said he hopes the Triceratops is a beacon to drivers to, "Let everyone know that we're doing science here in downtown Louisville."
The official name of the dinosaur will be unveiled during the science center's Dino Day, Sep. 17.
Original Story:
A dinosaur is making its way into downtown Louisville, but this isn't the first time.
According to the press release, a 26-foot long, 4,800-pound World’s Fair Triceratops will be returning to the Kentucky Science Center’s parking lot.
Sinclair Oil created the Triceratops and eight other fiberglass dinosaur figures. The Triceratops first appeared in Louisville in 1970 at the Louisville Zoo. It moved to the Kentucky Science Center in 1979 and went into storage in 2008 to protect the figure during the Museum Plaza construction.
It will be secured on top of the parking lot elevator to the pedway over West Washington Street to protect it from potential flooding and vehicles according to the release.
“All of us at Kentucky Science Center are so excited to have the chance to refurbish our resident dinosaur and put it back on display for the people of Louisville,” Chief Executive Officer Mike Norman said. “From its new perch above West Washington Street the Triceratops will be the perfect welcoming committee, encouraging locals and visitors alike to Do Science with us.”
From Monday to Sunday, Aug. 14, Louisville is invited to choose a name from:
- Cera
- Lottie
- Topps
People can make donations in support of their favorite name at the Kentucky Science Center or by visiting their website.
The name with the most donations will be announced Saturday, Sept. 17.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.