Dippygate: Natural History Museum’s diplodocus sacrificed on the commercial altar

There was outcry last month when it was announced that ‘Dippy the Diplodocus’ is to be removed from the Natural History Museum’s vast Hintze Hall, where he has been greeting visitors for the last 35 years. Instead a giant skeleton of blue whale will be suspended from the ceiling, in what they spin as an ‘important and necessary change’.

Officially, ‘the blue whale symbolises’ the museum’s ‘desire for people to be completely engaged in current issues about humans’ impact on the natural world and our chance to build a sustainable future.’ Or so a spokesman of the museum says.

However, a source tells of a more cynical explanation for the departure. Dippy’s feet were taking up precious floor space in the hall when the space is hired out at commercial rates for big corporate dinners and award ceremonies. By suspending the whale from the ceiling, the capacity of the lucrative event space is increased.