Affectionally nicknamed ‘Juliasaurus’, the carnivorous theropod fossil may be the key to discovering a new dinosaur species and will be publicly displayed for the first time in the 'Discover: Museum Wonders' exhibition at Hollytrees Museum in Colchester, Essex from 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2027.
The fossil was sold by David Aaron to a private collector in 2024 and the gallery has been instrumental in facilitating the loan of the specimen to the Colchester + Ipswich Museums.
One of the most important North American fossil discoveries in recent years, ‘Juliasaurus’ was excavated in 2020 from the Morrison Formation in Wyoming, dating to the Late Jurassic. Initial palaeontological inspection of the fossil indicated similarities to Allosaurus or Marshosaurus, but the differing anatomy of the ‘Juliasaurus’ fossil means further research is required to determine whether the fossil represents a new species.
This specimen is remarkably complete and holds great potential for new paleontological discoveries. Research into the specimen could provide fresh insights into the evolution of carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as determining ‘Juliasaurus’s’ species. The display at Colchester will coincide with the opportunity to undertake scientific research into the fossil for the first time.
‘Juliasaurus’ is an incredible example of a medium-sized theropod measuring six metres in length and weighing around 600 kilograms. The fossil comes from the mostly carnivorous theropod dinosaur group and predates its distant relative, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, by roughly 90 million years.
This landmark partnership between David Aaron and the Colchester + Ipswich Museums marks the first time a dinosaur has been displayed in Colchester.
'Discover: Museum Wonders'
The 'Discover: Museum Wonders' exhibition presents ‘Juliasaurus’ alongside around 100 objects and specimens, including fossils discovered in the local area. Specimens reflecting what life in Britain would have been like while ‘Juliasaurus’ lived in North America will feature in the exhibition; for instance, marine reptile fossils carried to Suffolk on ice sheets during the Ice Age.
Bookings are required, to find out more visit the Hollytrees Museum website.
Juliasaurus at Hollytrees Museum
Preview 03 April 2026
03 April 2026 - 01 November 2027
David Aaron presents the world premiere of a rare 154-million-year-old Late Jurassic predator, possibly a new dinosaur species, at Hollytrees Museum in Essex.
Affectionally nicknamed ‘Juliasaurus’, the carnivorous theropod fossil may be the key to discovering a new dinosaur species and will be publicly displayed for the first time in the 'Discover: Museum Wonders' exhibition at Hollytrees Museum in Colchester, Essex from 3 April 2026 to 1 November 2027.
The fossil was sold by David Aaron to a private collector in 2024 and the gallery has been instrumental in facilitating the loan of the specimen to the Colchester + Ipswich Museums.
One of the most important North American fossil discoveries in recent years, ‘Juliasaurus’ was excavated in 2020 from the Morrison Formation in Wyoming, dating to the Late Jurassic. Initial palaeontological inspection of the fossil indicated similarities to Allosaurus or Marshosaurus, but the differing anatomy of the ‘Juliasaurus’ fossil means further research is required to determine whether the fossil represents a new species.
This specimen is remarkably complete and holds great potential for new paleontological discoveries. Research into the specimen could provide fresh insights into the evolution of carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as determining ‘Juliasaurus’s’ species. The display at Colchester will coincide with the opportunity to undertake scientific research into the fossil for the first time.
‘Juliasaurus’ is an incredible example of a medium-sized theropod measuring six metres in length and weighing around 600 kilograms. The fossil comes from the mostly carnivorous theropod dinosaur group and predates its distant relative, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, by roughly 90 million years.
This landmark partnership between David Aaron and the Colchester + Ipswich Museums marks the first time a dinosaur has been displayed in Colchester.
'Discover: Museum Wonders'
The 'Discover: Museum Wonders' exhibition presents ‘Juliasaurus’ alongside around 100 objects and specimens, including fossils discovered in the local area. Specimens reflecting what life in Britain would have been like while ‘Juliasaurus’ lived in North America will feature in the exhibition; for instance, marine reptile fossils carried to Suffolk on ice sheets during the Ice Age.
Bookings are required, to find out more visit the Hollytrees Museum website.