The T. rex Discovery Centre in Eastend is set to reopen for the summer.

The centre, which houses Scotty, the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen, will open its doors to the public on Saturday after a shortened season last year due to the pandemic. Guests will also have the opportunity to view the brand-new Paleo Lab and other recent discoveries by paleontologists with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM).

According to the RSM, the new Paleo Lab Experience is an interactive area for visitors to engage with paleontologists and learn about the research that is occurring at the centre.

Peter Menzies, director of the RSM, said it’s exciting for them to focus on preparing for this opening.

“We’re stoked about it. It’s been a long ride, but this is a sign of optimism and hope for everybody,” Menzies said ahead of the centre’s reopen date.

The centre will be requiring guests to follow public health rules during their visit. People be required to wear masks, follow signage and use physical distancing markers during their visit.

Visitor capacity will also be limited to 30 people inside to start.

“This will be in place for at least the first three weeks to a month here,” explained Menzies. “I don’t think that will be a huge challenge through June because visitation is usually fairly light then and the weather is nice so people can wait outside comfortably.”

Menzies mentioned that visitors can phone the centre ahead of time to make sure it’s not too busy at the museum when they plan to check it out.

The T.rex Discovery Centre is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until Labour Day. Admission is by donation.