“Apex” Stegosaurus, the World’s Most Expensive Dinosaur Fossil, Now on Display in NYC

A stunning new addition to the American Museum of Natural History's collection is making headlines around the world: Apex, a nearly complete Stegosaurus fossil that was purchased for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction earlier this year. This remarkable fossil, now the most expensive dinosaur ever sold, is a testament to the growing interest in paleontological discoveries and the booming fossil market. Standing 11.5 feet tall and stretching 27 feet in length, Apex is one of the largest and most well-preserved Stegosaurus specimens ever discovered.

The fossil was unearthed in 2022 in the Morrison Formation of Colorado, an area known for its rich fossil deposits from the Late Jurassic period. Apex is an especially rare find because it is one of the few Stegosaurus specimens believed to have lived to an advanced age, offering researchers a valuable opportunity to learn more about the species’ growth and lifespan. It consists of more than 254 bone elements, making it an extraordinary example of Stegosaurus anatomy.

The fossil is now on display at the museum, where it will be showcased in a glass-enclosed alcove in the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium, visible to visitors in Theodore Roosevelt Park. Starting December 8, 2024, the public can marvel at the fossil's size and detailed preservation. Over the next year, Apex will be featured in the museum’s Gilder Center before moving to the fourth floor as a centerpiece of the museum's fossil halls. It will remain on display for a total of four years, after which a cast of the specimen will replace it.

The purchase of Apex by billionaire Ken Griffin, CEO of the hedge fund Citadel, has sparked both excitement and concern. While it’s great news for public access to such an incredible specimen, some paleontologists have voiced concerns that private collectors are driving up prices, making it harder for academic institutions to acquire important fossils for research. However, Griffin, who has expressed his desire for the fossil to be shared with the public and researchers, has generously loaned Apex to the museum, ensuring that it will be available for study and education.

Museum paleontologists are already planning to use Apex for groundbreaking research. One of their key goals is to examine the fossil's thigh bone to create a growth curve for the Stegosaurus, offering valuable insights into how the species evolved from a juvenile to an adult. Digital models of the fossil will also be made available to researchers worldwide, furthering our understanding of dinosaur biology and behavior. The museum’s research on Apex will be supported by a Griffin-funded fellowship, ensuring that the specimen's legacy continues to inform both scientific research and public education.

For those in New York City, Apex provides a rare opportunity to see one of the most complete and historically significant dinosaur fossils ever found. Whether you're a paleontology enthusiast or just a curious visitor, Apex promises to be a highlight of your museum experience, offering a window into a distant past when giants roamed the Earth.

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