France-based out of home (OHH) print provider creates ultra-realistic 3m-tall prehistoric creature to promote new palaeontology exhibition

Lod, Israel – Massivit 3D, the leading provider of large format 3D printing solutions for visual communication applications, today announced that its customer, METROPOLE has created an ultra-realistic, full-size triceratops to promote a new palaeontology exhibition at Paris’ Musée national d'Histoire naturelle.

With the objective to drive visitor footfall to the museum’s exhibition, the visually-striking dinosaur was brought to life using METROPOLE’s Massivit 1800 3D Printer in just two days. Measuring a gigantic 1.8m-wide, 2.33m-long and 3m-high (5.9ft x 7.6ft x 9.8ft), the reptile is currently grazing on vegetation at the Gare d'Austerlitz railway station, adjacent to the museum.

Bringing History to Life
“When it comes to producing giant attention-grabbing models that truly turn heads and capture people’s attention, our Massivit 1800 is the solution of choice,” says Denise Zanet, Executive Partner at METROPOLE.

Using the Massivit 1800’s unrivalled print speed of up to 35cm / 14’’ per hour and dual print heads, METROPOLE was able to meet the museum’s stringent deadline by producing the triceratops in just eight components. Once assembled, the company strengthened the construction with ballast to guarantee the dinosaur’s longevity during sustained interaction within a public environment. To ensure even greater lifelikeness, Metropole’s cinematic artistic team then covered the dinosaur with a textured surface to achieve its natural-looking skin, while also producing realistic eyes to enhance its authentic appearance.

“The Musée national d'Histoire naturelle was completely blown away by how astonishingly lifelike our 3D printed triceratops looks,” says Zanet. “It’s already generating huge buzz at the train station with many passers-by asking how it was created and where they can find out more.”

Securing Repeat Business
According to Zanet, France’s leading transport company, SNCF Gares & Connexions approached METROPOLE following its close collaboration and success of last year’s Corto Maltese campaign. This saw the company produce a life-size replica of the Italian comic book adventurer in celebration of the series’ 50th anniversary.

She explains: “Gares & Connexions were so overwhelmed by the incredible success and interaction that the 3D printed replica generated, that they recommended us for this campaign. This is a testament to the strong customer engagement and brand awareness attainable with our Massivit 1800.”

The stunning triceratops will be wowing the public throughout the duration of the palaeontology exhibition, which is on display until 2nd September. To find out more, click here.