Dive into Nevada’s prehistoric past at the Nevada Museum of Art

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Nevada is an important paleontological site and currently on display at the Nevada Museum of Art is the biggest collection of ichthyosaur fossils ever shown under one roof. Deep Time: Sea Dragons of Nevada was co-curated by Ann M. Wolfe, the Museum’s Chief Curator, along with lead paleontologist Dr. Martin Sander. It is designed by award-winning designer Nik Hafermaas of Berlin, Germany.

Wolfe and Colin Robertson, Charles N. Mathewson senior vice president of education and research, stopped by Morning Break to invite the community to come out and see this exotic and historical exhibition.

There’s a life-sized, virtually animated ichthyosaur soaring in one gallery. It responds to movement, giving visitors a chance to swim alongside the ancient reptile. Guests will get to walk through displays representing Nevada mountain ranges, discovering over 20 fossil specimens excavated between 1868 and 2022, many of which have never been seen publicly before.

Accompanying the exhibition is a new children’s book celebrating women in science by honoring the achievements of Annie Alexander. Annie Alexander’s Amazing Adventure: An American Fossil Expedition in Nevada is written by Ann M. Wolfe with illustrations by Nevada-based artist Kate O’Hara. Through brilliant and colorful illustrations, readers learn about the plants and animals of the desert environment, ichthyosaur fossil discoveries and excavation, and extinction and climate science.

Deep Time: Sea Dragons of Nevada will be on display at the museum through January 11, 2026.

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