In anticipation of the new Dawn of Life gallery, which will be home to the ROM’s world renowned collection of Burgess Shale specimens, the Museum will have a special display of spectacular pieces that will introduce how the new gallery will present, interpret, and explain fossil life.

These specimens will give a sneak peek into the remarkable history of life on Earth before the dinosaurs, and how the Earth has changed drastically over time. Some of the pieces identified have been in the ROM’s vaults for decades, or were acquired specifically for the new Dawn of Life gallery, and will be a unique experience for visitors.

Many of the fossils presented in this exhibit have been the focus of exciting new ROM research. See below for a more in-depth look at just a few of these fascinating stories published by ROM Curator Jean-Bernard Caron.