MOBILE, Ala. — The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center has announced the signing of yet another huge (literally, in this case) traveling exhibit that will open to the public Jan. 16, 2010.

Dinosaurs Downtown will feature 10 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, a dinosaur photo opportunity and a fossil dig where young children can excavate for their very own “fossils.”

The animatronic dinosaurs will move, roar and, in some cases, even spit for Exploreum visitors.

“The Exploreum is known for its world-class traveling exhibits, and we are extremely pleased to deliver another hit for the region,” said Assistant Director Caroline Etherton. “Dinosaurs Downtown will be an interactive, full-sensory experience unlike any other.”

Dinosaurs Downtown will transform the Exploreum’s courtyard into a thrilling Jurassic-era habitat.

The exhibit will feature many educational opportunities, including how robots and animatronics work, the study of different eating habits and predatory environments and how fossils are found and tested.

Schools and tour groups are encouraged to book in advance by calling 208-6880.

Created by Billings Productions, the traveling dinosaur exhibit has already visited many large markets including San Diego, Detroit and Cincinnati.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum will be the first science center to host the highly successful exhibit.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum is a not-for-profit science center that promotes science learning through a variety of inquiry-based educational and entertaining activities, including exhibits, IMAX films, demonstrations, workshops and teacher professional development.

Located in downtown Mobile, Exploreum visitors can experience more than 150 hands-on science adventures in four galleries: Minds On Hall, Hands On Hall, the Wharf of Wonder and the all-new My BodyWorks, the most advanced health exhibit in the nation.

Guests can also enjoy live demonstrations in the Ciba Lab and BioLab daily and see a film in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theater or the state-of-the-art Virtual Journeys Digital Theater.

Voted Alabama’s Attraction of the Year, the Exploreum is the only science technology center serving south Alabama, south Mississippi and northwest Florida.

For more information about the Gulf Coast Exploreum, visit www.exploreum.com.