Press release by Museums- und Kultur GmbH Rüdersdorf
Anyone who has ever discovered fossils in the limestone open-cast mine whilst on a geology tour of the Rüdersdorf Museum Park may recognise it from the permanent exhibition: the Rüdersdorf Nothosaurus, whose skeleton was discovered almost in its entirety on what was once the seabed at the start of the 20th century. This small, now world-famous prehistoric sea creature has been reimagined as a comic-book character by the Berlin-based illustrator Melwin Noe. “Ever since the park opened, the swimming dinosaur has repeatedly played a major role in the children’s programme; as a native of Rüdersdorf, he is therefore the ideal mascot for us,” explains Museum Park director Stephen Ruebsam. “I sat down with Melwin to come up with a modern kids’ version; actually, the little prehistoric lizard isn’t really that cute.” Designed in a modern cartoon style with googly eyes and big, clumsy feet, the dinosaur is now set to promote the children’s and holiday programme in Rüdersdorf. “Following the Covid-19 break, we’ll be kicking off again from the Easter holidays with our activities for children and young people,” says Ruebsam. “And who better to tell the kids about Rüdersdorf’s prehistoric past than a dinosaur that lived here back then? We’re still looking for a name for the little chap and are calling on everyone to send us suggestions, from which we’ll then choose the best idea.” The winning entry will be rewarded with a geo-tour of the opencast mine for the whole family, whilst second and third place winners will receive annual passes for the museum park. As always, the judges’ decision is final. Name suggestions should be emailed by 15 February to
marketing(at)museumspark.de
or simply hand it in at the Museum Park ticket office.