To celebrate the launch of Lightroom and Apple TV+’s new immersive experience Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, established land artist David Popa has created his first-ever art installation in London – bringing the prehistoric world to life on Lewis Cubitt Park, King’s Cross this July.
Inspired by the ancient giants that roam Lightroom’s 360o projection space in Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs, Popa’s work reimagines the Tyrannosaurus rex emerging from the earth, capturing the wild majesty of the Mesozoic era.
Located on Lightroom’s doorstep, this temporary artwork – designed to fade naturally over time to reflect the cyclical nature of the environment – pays tribute to the awe[1]inspiring creatures and landscapes of our planet’s prehistoric past through an environmentally conscious lens.
The installation was shaped directly into the park’s grass using hand sprayers and natural pigments and crafted entirely with natural, biodegradable materials including earth pigments, white charcoal and a casein-based binder.
David Popa says: “It’s a real joy to return to the world of Prehistoric Planet—this time bringing the T-rex to life in the heart of London. Having created large-scale frescoes across Finland, Moab, and the UK, it feels like a powerful moment to share this work in such a public, urban setting. My pieces are usually remote and ephemeral, so the chance for people to encounter it spontaneously on Lewis Cubitt Park adds a whole new energy. Like so many, I grew up in awe of dinosaurs.”
David Sabel (Executive Producer at Lightroom) says: “Bringing the world of Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs to life in Lightroom has been a thrilling experience, using the immense scale of the venue to place audiences face to face with these great creatures. So, it was a natural evolution that they should take over Kings Cross. We are all blown away by David Popa’s land frescoes – the intersection of the environment and artistry creates a kind of magic that we hope will delight audiences as much outside the Lightroom as the show does inside. This bold and creative endeavour is characteristic of King’s Cross and its playful animation of the public spaces.”
Marine Tanguy (CEO MTArt Agency) says: “There is pure magic in the land art frescoes of our artist David Popa and despite working for years together, I can never take it for granted. David transforms places with visual stories and makes our urban environment one that is filled with imagination, creativity and play. To work with King’s Cross and Lightroom on this project is a dream come true for the team and I cannot wait to see how people respond and interact with David’s latest land artwork.”
Lysander Ashton, Director at 59, a Journey studio, said: “It’s been extraordinary to see the world of Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs spill out beyond Lightroom’s walls and into the heart of King’s Cross. David Popa’s land art brings a thrilling energy – deeply connected to place, yet universal in its impact. At 59, we’re always searching for ways to push storytelling into new territories, and this collaboration between the natural world, art, and public space is exactly that.”
Commissioned by B Corp-certified MTArt Agency, the work reflects a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, evident in both the materials and methods used throughout the installation.
This artwork is part of the wider visitor experience surrounding Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom, where audiences can immerse themselves in the gravitas of the dinosaur era and meet dinosaurs true to scale in a one-of-a-kind experience.
Families heading to King’s Cross this summer and beyond can also take part in the King’s Cross Dinosaur Trail which starts and ends at Lightroom. Visitors are invited to the ticket office to collect a map, before heading out in search of strange clues to help them discover the dinosaur’s whereabouts. Completed maps can be taken back to Lightroom where kids can pick up a prehistoric surprise!
Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs is narrated by Damian Lewis and explores the extraordinary story of dinosaurs, from 66 million years ago to their lasting legacy today.
Blending iconic moments from Apple TV+’s Emmy Award-nominated series Prehistoric Planet with brand-new multidimensional content by 59, a Journey studio, the show transports visitors straight into the heart of the prehistoric world. Both breathtaking and educational, this epic adventure is set to an original score by multi-Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve for Bleeding Fingers Music.
Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs is suitable for all ages and the perfect day out for families and natural history enthusiasts alike. Tickets are from £25 for adults and £15 for children and students, with an additional 15% discount available to families. Group booking and education rates are also available from £10 a ticket for groups of 10+. The show is running until 2nd November 2025.
Find out more: https://lightroom.uk/whats-on/prehistoric-planet/
