Some of the largest creatures ever to roam the Earth are coming back to life in Jackson.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is set to debut “Giants of the Ice Age,” an immersive new exhibit opening Jan. 31 and running through August 23. The exhibit invites visitors to step into a prehistoric world filled with towering, life-sized Ice Age animals that breathe, roar, and move, bringing ancient history vividly into the present.
Created by Dino Don, a renowned natural history expert and adviser to Steven Spielberg, Universal Studios, and Disney theme parks, the exhibit features 12 full-sized, scientifically accurate robotic animals. Visitors can stand beneath a massive Woolly Mammoth, come face-to-face with a short-faced bear, and encounter creatures like the dire wolf, woolly rhinoceros, terror bird, and the towering Irish elk.
The exhibit spans indoor and outdoor spaces, combining advanced technology, hands-on learning, and interactive storytelling. Guests will also meet lesser-known Ice Age giants, including Gigantopithecus, the largest primate ever to live, the armored glyptodon, and the uniquely built macrauchenia.
Interactive displays and educational stations throughout the exhibit explore how these animals adapted to the harsh conditions of the Ice Age.
“As Mississippi’s home for natural science education, we are proud to bring an exhibit of this scale and quality to our community,” MMNS director Angel Rohnke said. “‘Giants of the Ice Age’ not only showcases remarkable prehistoric animals but also explores science in a way that is engaging, accessible, and inspiring.”
Support for the exhibit comes from the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation and community partners.
“Exhibits like ‘Giants of the Ice Age’ are made possible through the generosity of our members, donors, and community partners,” MMNSF executive director Susan Frazier said. “Their support allows us to bring world-class, immersive experiences to Mississippi – experiences that inspire curiosity, strengthen science education, and create lasting memories for families across our state.”
The exhibit will be included with regular museum admission and free of charge for MMNSF members.