As the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors, one of its star residents is already capturing global attention online. “Stan” the Tyrannosaurus rex – one of the most complete fossilized T. rex skeletons ever discovered and a signature exhibit of the museum – has been brought into the digital age as an “AI-ncient Influencer”. For the first time, a real T. rex fossil has inspired an AI-driven digital persona, transforming Stan into a talking, expressive digital character designed for social media audiences.
With a bold personality, a witty attitude, and a distinctly self-aware sense of humour, Stan invites visitors and social media audiences worldwide to experience the museum in a fresh, entertaining way.
This campaign gives one of Earth’s most ancient creatures a contemporary digital voice. Stan’s personality draws on his 67-million-year journey and comes to life through playful commentary that speaks to families, young audiences, and curious minds worldwide.
The first episode of his takeover has gone live on the museum’s social channels, tracking his journey from New York to Abu Dhabi – from squeezing through airport security and enjoying a first-class Etihad Airways seat to landing at Zayed International Airport and settling into his new home. More episodes will follow as Stan explores Abu Dhabi and shares behind-the-scenes moments from his new home, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Visitors can meet Stan in person at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and follow him across TikTok and Instagram for more episodes, late-night museum adventures, scientific facts, and the unexpected personality you’d never expect from a 67-million-year-old fossil.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organizations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.