The Horniman Museum presents Polacanthus as part of its LEGO exhibition Brick Dinos

A new LEGO model of a Polacanthus, an armoured 125-million-year-old dinosaur found in the UK, will be on show for the first time as part of the Brick Dinos exhibition, coming to the Horniman Museum and Gardens.

A herbivore from the early Cretaceous Period, the Polacanthus – meaning ‘many spines’ – is the latest highlight of this family-friendly exhibition featuring more than 20 dinosaur species, recreated by artist Warren Elsmore and his team using LEGO bricks.

The Polacanthus model, at 1.5m long, is recreated at about a third of its true size.

The brick dinos on display include some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth, recreated in miniature form, alongside large models including a plesiosaur, a life-size flying pterosaur and a fearsome Masiakasaurus.

Young visitors to the exhibition can also enjoy building their own dinosaur, digging for fossils and dressing up as prehistoric creatures.

Dr Emma Nicholls, senior curator of natural sciences at the Horniman Museum said: “Dinosaurs and LEGO are always a winning combination in my opinion, but the level of thought and detail that’s gone into it all, from the miniature scenes to the full-scale dinosaurs, means the exhibition will engage and excite visitors of all ages.

“And if that’s not enough, we have a brand new, incredible Polacanthus dinosaur model waiting to meet you.”

Mr Elsmore said: “I can’t deny that building the Polacanthus was a lot of fun. I was able to work with the Horniman’s fantastic team to make sure that the pose and colouring were just right – and that she’d make a big impact when seen and heard in person.”

Brick Dinos has now opened at the Horniman Museum.

Website: Brick Dinos – Horniman Museum and Gardens

Picture: Horniman Curator Emma Nicholls with Masiakasaurus model Picture: Horniman Museum and Gardens