The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s newest exhibit, Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline, opens to the public on June 11, 2021.
Featuring artwork by Alaska artist Ray Troll, the exhibit is based on the book of the same name written by Troll and Dr. Kirk Johnson, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Troll and Johnson logged more than 10,000 miles and 250 days traveling the North American coast in search of fossils and the stories they tell.
Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline covers the evolutionary history of the west coast of North America, with a focus on the coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska.
The all-ages exhibition features life-size sculptures, models, and images of prehistoric creatures and authentic fossils. The exhibit also features paintings, hand-drawn maps, and light and audio installations by Troll. Footage highlighting Troll’s fossil excursions can be viewed in the Aquarium’s theater.
Part of the exhibit is dedicated solely to Oregon’s geologic record, extending back approximately 400 million years ago. The Oregon-focused portion of the exhibit features fossils found in Lincoln County and across Oregon. The state’s fossil record includes marine and terrestrial plants and animals, corals, invertebrates, and traces such as eggs and tracks.
Tickets may be purchased on-site or in advance via aquarium.org.
