ROCK FOSSILS
A Travelling
Exhibition
about Fossils
Named after
Rock Stars
Exceptionally well prepared from a scientific and didactic perspective, ROCK FOSSILS presents realistic models of fossils named after the who's who of the music world. These partially bizarre exhibits span from finely worked living models to an oversized two-meter fossil with a leather coat. The latter was designed as a sofa in the form of a prehistoric arthropod. The scientific name Arcticalymene viciousi owes its nomenclature to the British punk rock figurehead Sid Vicious. Another object of study from the cornucopia of evolution: the terrifying bristle worm Kalloprion kilmisteri - named after well-known rock ‘n’ roll icon Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead.
This exhibition is a unique one: behind the natural history are people with passion and humor. And many paleontologists have a fondness for genuine, unabashed rock music - researchers are fans too! This is exactly what made ROCK FOSSILS a point of interest. Even for an audience that is usually rather unrepresented in museums, the generation of the 20-40-year old gig and club goers. Tens of thousands of enthused visitors to this special exhibition speak volumes. Just like the ROCK FOSSILS tagline: "Yes, it's love!" Love of fossils and love of music. Of sciences as well as of the arts. Nature as well as culture.
The exhibition was first opened in 2013 in Geomuseum Faxe, Denmark - to huge success, with the actual Rockstar King Diamond attending and revealing the fossil named in his honour! and worldwide media attention. Since then, ROCK FOSSILS has toured throughout the international museum and music landscape. In museums in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. They’re all ready and waiting backstage to be discovered, dug up and shown by curators worldwide.
Most of the handmade models from the Danish 10 TONS Studio look so realistic that some visitors thought they should be behind bullet-proof glass. The captivating exhibition concept was developed by a music-loving expert team of paleontologists, museum curators and model builders, and offers value to any exhibition location.
The exhibition design is undogmatic and malleable: the scope and depth of ROCK FOSSILS can be tailored to suit any exhibition location.
ROCK FOSSILS ON TOUR also functions as an instigator. Projects and cooperations with local cultural institutions are part of the programme - including liveconcert incentives.
‘Evolution’ isn’t just made palpable, but also put into practice: the exhibition grows with each exhibition location that would like to add a new rock fossil to the tour as it moves on. The museum itself is involved in the design, and a part of it carries on to the next gig on the world tour.
With a comprehensive support service, curators and new exhibition locations are guided and advised by the ROCK FOSSILS team. Starting with displays that can easily be adapted to the local language, and encompassing an extensive network in the media as well as the music and science scenes.
