“Petroperla mickjaggeri” is just one of many treasures currently on display in the rock exhibition “Fossils feat. The Rolling Stoneflies” is presented in the Stuttgart Natural History Museum.
Petroperia how? You read that right, the stonefly (‘stonefly’ in English, hence the title of the exhibition and the obvious reference to the Rolling Stones) is reminiscent of Mick Jagger in its appearance. Several of these fossilized insects, some of which already lived during the time of the dinosaurs, were named after the members of the British band and will be on display here from Saturday (December 16th).
Generally on display are fossils, models and reconstructions of extinct animal species, all of which are named after rock stars such as David Bowie and the Beatles. The replicas were meticulously crafted by the master model makers at “10 Tons” from Denmark.
“When I was lucky enough to find eight different fossil species in Burmese amber, as a lifelong Stones fan, I immediately knew what to do: pay tribute to the greatest rock band in the world and dedicate a stonefly to each Rolling Stone.” says entomologist Arnold Staniczek, according to a statement from the museum.
Scientists also jump off stages
There is also an unusual educational mission behind the small event: the fossils will also be exhibited with a song by the bands and musicians. This combination of science and music should help to inspire people who rarely go to the museum, says Lars Krogmann, the scientific director of the Natural History Museum.
Achim Reisdorf, who with an ironic undertone sees himself as the tour manager of “Rock Fossils” (the exhibition has already been seen in Denmark, Norway and Switzerland), wants to get scientists out of their ivory tower. “We are right in the middle of you, we go to the same concerts, we jump off stages, do stage diving and we have a lot of fun doing it,” he said of the show’s extraordinary concept.
However, it is unknown whether the Rolling Stones, who are currently enjoying the success of their new album and are slowly preparing for the 2024 tour, have already visited an earlier date of the exhibition in another country or are planning a visit to Stuttgart.