In front of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, a striking and somewhat whimsical figure stands guard: a brightly colored dinosaur named "Dippy the Diplodocus." This beloved landmark has a fascinating history that intertwines the fields of paleontology, philanthropy, and public engagement.
The story of Dippy begins in the late 19th century, when the field of paleontology was experiencing significant advancements and discoveries. In 1899, an expedition funded by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie unearthed an extraordinary fossil near Sheep Creek, Wyoming. This fossil was identified as a Diplodocus carnegii, named in honor of Carnegie himself. At the time, it was one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered, measuring approximately 84 feet in length.
Andrew Carnegie, who had a deep interest in science and education, decided to share this remarkable find with the world. He commissioned a series of casts of the Diplodocus skeleton to be made and sent to museums across the globe. These casts allowed people from various countries to witness the grandeur of this prehistoric giant, promoting scientific knowledge and international goodwill.
One of these casts was placed in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, which Carnegie had founded in 1896. The museum became home to the original fossil and the cast of Diplodocus carnegii, both of which became key attractions for visitors.
In 1999, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Diplodocus carnegii, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History unveiled a life-sized replica of the dinosaur outside the Carnegie Library and Museum complex. This outdoor statue, affectionately known as "Dippy," was created to honor the legacy of Andrew Carnegie and to continue his mission of making science accessible to the public.
Dippy quickly became a beloved symbol of the museum and the library. The fiberglass and steel structure stands in a dynamic pose, seemingly mid-stride, with its long neck and tail adding to its impressive stature. Over the years, Dippy has been adorned with various decorations and costumes to celebrate holidays, events, and local sports teams, further endearing it to the community.