Brachiosaurus altithorax

Part of the GIANTS OF THE LAND Exhibit

Late Jurassic Period, approx. 154-150 million years ago

1:3 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Brachiosaurus altithorax was a massive sauropod dinosaur inhabiting the lush floodplains and conifer-dominated forests of Late Jurassic North America. Unlike many other sauropods, it possessed a unique body plan with longer forelimbs than hindlimbs, giving it a giraffe-like posture adapted for high browsing.

Its elongated neck allowed it to access vegetation at heights unreachable by most other herbivores, reducing competition within its ecosystem. The deep chest cavity and column-like limbs supported its immense body mass, while air-filled vertebrae helped reduce skeletal weight. Brachiosaurus likely moved in small groups and relied on its sheer size as a primary defense against large predatory theropods of its environment.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A towering Late Jurassic sauropod defined by its elevated forelimb posture and high-browsing specialization—one of the most iconic examples of vertical feeding adaptation among giant herbivores.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:3, approx. 9.8 in or 25 cm

Fossil Finishes

• Aged Bone: A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations.

• Canyon: Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon.

• Fossilized: Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossil specimens.

Specimen Format

• Unmounted study specimen: A standalone skull, ideal for shelves, cases, or custom display setups.

• Desktop-mounted display specimen: Presented on a handmade desktop stand, crafted from wood with brass furnishings and a custom specimen placard — designed to elevate the specimen as a true exhibit piece.

Medium

• Hand-painted resin