The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs are a collection of sculptures depicting dinosaurs and other extinct species located in Crystal Palace Park, in the London borough of Bromley. These sculptures were originally commissioned in 1852 for display at the Crystal Palace following its relocation from the Great Exhibition held in Hyde Park. They were revealed to the public in 1854 and are the first speculative dinosaur sculptures ever created. Although the models are now considered inaccurate by contemporary standards, they were designed and crafted by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins under the scientific guidance of Sir Richard Owen, reflecting the prevailing scientific understanding of the time. The sculptures were designated as Grade II listed buildings in 1973 and underwent extensive restoration in 2002. In 2007 they were elevated to Grade I listed status. As of spring 2026 the dinosaurs are again being renovated as part of a £5 million regeneration of the park.
The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs are a collection of sculptures depicting dinosaurs and other extinct species located in Crystal Palace Park, in the London borough of Bromley. These sculptures were originally commissioned in 1852 for display at the Crystal Palace following its relocation from the Great Exhibition held in Hyde Park. They were revealed to the public in 1854 and are the first speculative dinosaur sculptures ever created. Although the models are now considered inaccurate by contemporary standards, they were designed and crafted by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins under the scientific guidance of Sir Richard Owen, reflecting the prevailing scientific understanding of the time. The sculptures were designated as Grade II listed buildings in 1973 and underwent extensive restoration in 2002. In 2007 they were elevated to Grade I listed status. As of spring 2026 the dinosaurs are again being renovated as part of a £5 million regeneration of the park.
The Dinosaurs sculptures depict fifteen species of extinct animals, of which only three are classified as true dinosaurs. They span a broad array of geological periods, including true dinosaurs, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs primarily from the Mesozoic era, as well as some mammals from the more recent Cenozoic era. The models are significant for illustrating the inaccuracies present in early palaeontology, stemming from poorly reconstructed fossils and the scientific limitations of the 19th century knowledge. Notably, the models of Iguanodon and Megalosaurus are particularly flawed with the famous Iguanodon “spiked thumb” being mistaken as a horn. They also reflect the Victorian scientific view that dinosaurs were slow, squat, lumbering creatures, akin to Iguanas, rather than the agile, dynamic creatures that contemporary science depicts today.
I had the pleasure of visiting Crystal Palace Park on Wednesday 8th April, which was an unusually warm and pleasant day for this time of year in the UK. The park was very busy due to the weather and it being an end of term school holiday at the time. The “dinosaur walk” is clearly marked and there are plenty of signs. As we approached the lower lake area some of the sculptures depicting mammals from the Cenozoic Era are visible, such as the Palaeotherium. Sadly as you progress further along the walk the sculptures from earlier historical periods are partially hidden behind scaffolding and plastic sheeting. There was a great deal of activity and a lot of staff attending to the ongoing restoration. However, what could be seen seems very striking. The famous Iguanodons have been handsomely repainted in accordance to their original design. I shall plan a return visit in autumn to see the finished results. Overall it is satisfying to see such a significant scientific and cultural exhibit as the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs being maintained for future generations.
