The Clay Center Unveils “Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs” Traveling Exhibit in a Brand New Exhibit Space Starting September 26, 2026
Charleston, WV (September 15, 2026) - The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of WV is excited to announce its next traveling exhibit from Miami Children’s Museum, “Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs.” This spectacular exhibit invites children and families to journey back to the age of dinosaurs in an educational and exciting environment.
Featuring seven breathtaking animatronic dinosaurs, each showcased in its own unique setting with lifelike movements and sounds, the exhibit promises a thrilling prehistoric adventure. From the long Diplodocus to the fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex, each dinosaur is placed within realistic scenery and landscaping, creating an immersive environment. A Velociraptor with a nest of hatching eggs rounds out the experience, as visitors can watch a new baby Velociraptor come to life.
Additional exhibit highlights include 3D dinosaur skeleton puzzles and a fossil dig pit where young explorers can unearth their prehistoric treasures. These hands-on activities are designed to captivate children’s imaginations while sharing more about the magnificent creatures that once roamed the Earth.
“‘Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs’ is the perfect way to introduce families to our brand-new traveling exhibit space while giving children an opportunity to explore, discover, and learn through play,” said Zack Merritt, Director of Education & Visitor Experience at the Clay Center. “We’re especially excited to welcome our members first for an evening filled with dinosaurs, activities, and special treats. This exhibit is just the beginning of what this new space will allow us to bring to our beautiful state.”
The exhibit will also mark the grand opening of the Clay Center’s new traveling exhibit space, a brand-new area located beneath the Caperton Planetarium & Theater. More than a year in development, the new space significantly increases the Clay Center’s square footage capacity for traveling exhibitions, opening the door for larger-scale exhibits to visit Charleston in the future. The project was originally envisioned and overseen by the Clay Center’s late President and CEO, Al Najjar, whose direction helped bring the new traveling exhibit space to life.
Clay Center Member Preview Event
Clay Center Members will have the opportunity to be the first to experience “Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs” during an exclusive member preview event on Friday, September 25, from 5:30–7:30 PM.
The members-only event will feature dinosaur-themed activities and treats, giving families an early opportunity to explore the new exhibit before it opens to the public. Space is limited to 250 guests. Members must reserve their spot by calling the Clay Center Box Office at (304) 561-3570 or by visiting the Box Office in person.
“Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs” will officially open to the public on September 26, 2026, and will continue through January 3, 2027. Access to the exhibit is included in museum admission.
“Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs” at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of WV is made possible in part by the Viking Group, Friends of Clay Center, the West Virginia Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Member Preview: Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs
When: September 25, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Where: Clay Center | Charleston, WV
Cost: Included with Clay Center Membership; RSVP with Clay Center Box Office required
EXHIBIT DETAILS
What: Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs
When: September 26, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Where: Clay Center | Charleston, WV
Cost: Included with museum admission
For more information, visit: theclaycenter.org.
ABOUT MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: Miami Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine, and create. The museum offers bilingual, interactive exhibits, hundreds of daily programs and classes, a Subway restaurant, Kid Smart educational gift shop and learning materials related to arts, culture, community, and communication. Celebrating 40 years of fostering childhood education and imagination, Miami Children's Museum also marks 20 years in its iconic Watson Island location.
ABOUT CLAY CENTER FOR THE ARTS & SCIENCES OF WV: The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, a not-for-profit located in Charleston, WV, is a 240,000-square-foot structure that houses performing arts, visual arts, and sciences all under one roof—one of the few of its kind in the country. At the Clay Center, we’re on a mission to ignite the imaginations of all who visit, offering a multitude of experiences that captivate, educate, and entertain.
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