'Landmark' as dinosaur cast arrives at cathedral

Emma BaughBBC Peterborough
Trustees of Natural History Museum Titanosaur skeleton in a brick lines room of the Natural History Museum with a vaulted ceiling, the head is facing the front as if it is almost smiling.Trustees of Natural History Museum

A full-scale cast of one of the most complete giant dinosaurs ever uncovered has arrived at a city's cathedral as part of moves to help promote science and discovery.

Peterborough will be the home of the Natural History Museum's titanosaur until the end of May.

At 37m (121ft) long and 6m (19ft) high, the dinosaur - or Patagotitan mayorum - is the largest known dinosaur ever to walk the Earth.

Jack Pishhorn, the cathedral's chief operating officer, described the dinosaur's arrival as a "landmark" moment.

Trustees of Natural History Museum The head of the dinosaur skeleton showing its teeth, neck bones and eye socket underneath a vaulted ceilingTrustees of Natural History Museum
It's the first UK appearance outside of London for the Titanosaurus cast

Discovered in Argentina in 2010, it is the most complete giant dinosaur ever uncovered, offering scientists unparalleled insight into how the largest land animals in history lived and grew.

The cathedral said its "residency is designed to reach beyond a traditional exhibition".

Pishhorn added: "It represents a real shift in how we're thinking about the Cathedral's future, as a place where world-class exhibitions and experiences can sit alongside our historic setting."

Peterborough Cathedral Main front of Peterborough Cathedral with a bright blue sky behind and green grassed area to the frontPeterborough Cathedral
The Norman architecture of Peterborough Cathedral will provide the backdrop for one of the world's largest dinosaurs for a month

Bethan Parry, director of strategy and innovation at the Natural History Museum, London, said: "We're thrilled that our awe-inspiring titanosaur has arrived at Peterborough Cathedral for its first UK appearance outside London. Gazing up at Patagotitan mayorum, the largest known dinosaur ever to walk the Earth, is a truly unforgettable experience.

"Its immense scale reminds us of the extraordinary giants that once roamed our planet, and of the remarkable animals we still share it with today, from elephants and rhinos to blue whales, many of which are now under threat from habitat loss and human impact."

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