Singular specimens

Inside the Science Museum's exhibition space with dark walls, the visitor experience is augmented by light and sound shows, visual effects and video projections. An international team of highly-acclaimed professionals joined forces to put the show together. According to the science museum's director, Paulina Chan, paleontologists, scenographers, storytellers and 3D rendering artists have created "scientifically accurate reconstructions of the largest predatory dinosaur (Spinosaurus) and the largest flying creature (Hatzegopteryx) in the prehistoric world".

"For every exhibition, we (aim) to use new perspectives to tell a story unveiling the mystery of these prehistoric giants," Chan says, adding that the current exhibition enables visitors to "appreciate dinosaur skeletons, fossil materials and reconstructions from the prehistoric world, as well as gain new insights into paleontology".

Each member of The Big Eight dinos is identified by both their scientific and given names, ranging from scary to cute. A pterosaur (flying reptile) from the Hatzegopteryx club is called Dracula, for example. Application of augmented reality has helped to breathe life into this exhibit. A video projected over the fossil skeleton makes it appear as if the majestic creature is in flight.

Victoria, a massive Hesperosaurus, is an extremely valuable specimen in which impressions of the skin and backplate surfaces have been preserved. It's the oldest piece of evidence that the species - a close relative of Stegosaurus - had a horn sheath on its plates. Big Al 2, meanwhile, is the most complete Allosaurus skeleton ever discovered, being 99 percent intact.

Presented in its original burial posture, Toni is the only articulated, nearly complete baby sauropod (long-necked, long-tailed dinosaur) discovered to date. Far more terrifying is the fish-hunting Mister Big - a Spinosaurus armed with a flexible, paddle-like tail and a long, crocodile-like jaw.