“We all have a dinosaur deep within us just trying to get out." - Colin Mochrie.

I went to the Melbourne Museum to see Tyama, and figured while I'd there I'd quickly check out what else was on. I wouldn't have even gone if the 'art lab-esque' experience wasn't on.

When the kids were little, we went quite a few times with Melbourne friends. But it's been a good decade or so since my last visit.

As I hit the dinosaur section, I almost thought I'd skip it as I was pushed for time. Then I was hit with nostalgia. I spent so long in museums with my Dino-mad toddlers. I knew all the names and we had so many picture books on them - both fiction and non fiction. It's a common foible as this quote by Matt Smith sums up succinctly “As a kid, I knew all of the dinosaurs. It's one of those tragedies that I've forgotten what dinosaurs are cool.”

The Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs is an engaging exhibition and visually beautiful. I enjoyed it as much as I used to with the kids. While my happy reminiscence tainted my experience, I do wonder why we stop exploring these hubs of learning as we get older? When we travel we go to museums, but at home? My husband and I rarely treat ourselves to this luxury. We go to movies or restaurants but the planned activity is never 'let's see the new exhibition at the X museum?' Why is that? Why do we relegate it to fun for children?

So why not a Torschlusspanik task, I am going to try to change that. Along with the art gallery excursions, I'm going to revisit the Sydney museums regularly...don't ask me when, but it's on my radar now. Maybe that line 'when I became a man, I put away childish things' in Corinthians is too harsh. Maybe the trick is to grow up, and behave and reason like an adult, but keep the enjoyment of childish things alive? Or maybe they aren't childish and we judge them incorrectly. Like puppetry or circus, in Australia viewed as entertainment for children, and in Europe, an art to be enjoyed by adults?  I for one will start getting my old bones around even older bones...

Maybe it's how you avoid becoming a dinosaur yourself?

And if you don't believe me on the dinosaurs, check out the rainforest IN the museum!! Something there will nourish your soul!

Linking with #SeniorSalonPitsop