Dinolandia

Dinolandia was delightful! 

You may remember local artist Mike Bennett from his participation in the Portland Winter Lights Festival, the Washington Park sesquicentennial, and especially Winterland PDX.

His most recent project is turning the old downtown Banana Republic location into a whimsical journey through three geologic periods just bursting with dinosaurs.

While the stars of the show are definitely the many colorful dinosaurs, I appreciate the attention to other details.

Notice how the display cases evoke a museum or study, while the painted door and curtains adds a veneer of grandeur.

A short video and some decor turns the elevator into the Find-O-Dino, which takes you back in time, and only coincidentally to the second floor.

Then it is easy to follow the dinosaur prints through the entire exhibit.

Each group takes the elevator separately, which allows for a timing where no one should be crowding each other. That has several benefits.

It also means there is a pause on entry. The wait was not long, but it was also full of things to look at. Here are the fossils and skeletal remains, plus a challenge to identify what matches the list.

There is also a spot for that critical photo opportunity, though without the pressure of other, more expensive attractions.

Once you are on the second floor it is a world of color.

Dinosaurs are grouped in their time periods, and shown (roughly) in their environments, including underwater caves.

Attention is paid to size, which is why having a two story space and fairly high ceilings is so important.

Without exactly calling it out for scientific rigor, attention is paid to science and it can be educational. I had not previously heard of diplocaulus. (There are signs for all represented species.)

There are also some inclusions by other artists, which is not at all surprising given Bennett's history of bringing others in and creating joy.

There are also some set pieces giving an idea of old-timey archeology expeditions, referencing the time when many of these species were discovered.

However, my favorite effect was when this scenery broke through the wall and continued onto the floor.

It did not break through solo.

I was amazed at how much there was to see. I have to consider this a good use of the space, and it makes it easy to see that following the prints is not only for crowd management, but also to help you see everything.

Then, as you get ready to head downstairs, there is this reminder that it does all end. Harsh.

There is still a lot to exclaim over in the gift shop, with posters showing all of your favorites,

messages and decor for your yard, 

and friends to take home. I was especially charmed by this row of axlotls.

COVID: The spacing out that occurs with the entrance does make for a happier, less crowded experience, but it is also absolutely important for social distancing. In addition, masks are required by visitors and consistently worn by staff.

Accessibility: The space is very navigable and there are accessible (and gender-neutral) bathrooms. There are two spots that could lead to awkwardness. The regular route will lead to exiting via stairs. There is a sign saying that the elevator is available, but you will have to ask.

Similarly, the exit from the building has two steps, though the other door is right there, and they will easily let you out that way. 

It is not perfect, but they have clearly made efforts to create a welcoming space, still having to deal with existing architecture.

I will add that while they stress following the path and not going back, I had a staff member offer to let me go back if I had missed any pictures. Everyone was friendly and attentive.

All in all it was a good experience. It is fun for the little guys...

... but there is no reason that the big kids can't enjoy it too.

Dinolandia is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM through September 10th. So... yes, it will go extinct.

Give yourself time to see it. 

It is only $5 for general admission. Children 8 and under are free.

At 710 SW Yamhill Street, it is easily MAX adjacent, so no need to panic; just plan on going.

https://www.instagram.com/dinolandiapdx/

https://www.mikebennettart.com/