The Dinosaur Billboard Contest

About the Contest

Whether you're an experienced artist or an infrequent doodler, we want to see your best dinosaur artwork entered in our 2026 Dinosaur Billboard Contest!

With three age categories to enter (kids, teens, and adults), contestants have between now and November 9 to research and illustrate their dinosaur design by using the official contest template.

Contest Rules

Artwork must be based on a real dinosaur — Contestants can be creative with colors and other design elements, but the illustrated dinosaur or dinosaurs must be based on the real thing. Both fossils and fleshed-out dinosaurs will be accepted. (In need of inspiration for more unique dinosaurs? Plenty can be found in person in NHMU's Past Worlds exhibition and online on our blog!)
Entries must be hand drawn — Contestants can use any traditional art medium: pencil, paint, ink, charcoal, crayons, or other. Digital artwork, including A.I. generated entries, will not be accepted for judging.

Age Categories

Kids ages 12 and under
Teens ages 13–17
Adults ages 18 and older

utahraptor claw cast on a white background

Judging & Prizes

Once the contest ends November 9, judges including paleontologists and professional artists will review all entries and select a winner from each age category. Winners' artwork will be featured in NHMU's next billboard campaign between November and December 2026! Winners will also receive VIP prize packs to DinoFest at NHMU on January 30–31, 2027, NHMU merchandise, and an amazing fossil cast!

How to Enter

Download the official contest template here or pick one up at the Museum's admission desk on your next visit to NHMU, where you can draw or paint to your heart's content. Once completed, photograph or scan your entry and submit it via the webform below.

Entry Form

Contestant First Name

Contestant Last Name

Contestant Age

Which category are you entering? (parent/guardian info is required for all contestants under age 18)

Is contestant under 18 years of age?

Parent/Guardian Info

Parent/Guardian First Name

Parent/Guardian Last Name

Relation to Contestant

Parent/Guardian Email Address

Confirm email

I am the parent or legal guardian of an entrant under 18 years of age. I have read and agree to the Official Contest Rules listed and the Permission and Release Terms listed below on behalf of the entrant, and I make the foregoing representations, warranties, permissions, and indemnification obligations on behalf of myself and the entrant.

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Advanced Contestant Info

Contestant Email Address (if over 18 years of age)

Confirm email

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

I am 18 years of age or older and have read and agree to the Official Contest Rules listed above and the Permission and Release Terms listed below.

Entry Form Photo or Scan

One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif jpg jpeg png.

Tell us about your entry (inspiration, dinosaur selected, medium used, time required, etc.)

Permission and Release Terms

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