Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs are among the park’s most iconic attractions, first unveiled in 1854 and still captivating visitors more than 170 years later. They are completely free to visit.

These remarkable sculptures are part of a collection of around 30 figures, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, set across islands in the lakes on the Penge side of the park. Once known as the Dinosaur Court, this specially designed landscape features artificial cliffs and geological displays.

While they don’t match modern scientific depictions, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian understanding of prehistoric life, showing how pioneering scientists imagined the creatures that once roamed our planet.

Created between 1853 and 1855 by artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, the sculptures represent the first attempt to model extinct animals at full scale based on fossil evidence. Constructed in clay, moulds were taken to cast sections in cement. Many of the larger figures are hollow with brick interiors.

Preservation and Restoration

Due to their Grade I listing and lakeside location, it is important that the Dinosaurs are viewed from a short distance. 

As part of the ongoing park regeneration project, both the sculptures and the surrounding landscape and waterways have been carefully restored. As a result of the restoration and confidence in the ongoing management and maintenance plans in place, they have now been removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The extensive conservation work has been supported by Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs and many other partners and funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

Visiting the Dinosaurs

The Dinosaurs are located on the Dinosaur Park islands within the Lower Lakes, in the south section of the park, just below the athletics stadium. The nearest entrance is Penge Gate.