Peoria is the second stop for T-Rex: The Ultimate Predator on its world tour. New York City was the first. The exhibit was set to move on next month.
But museum president John Morris said there's been an opportune extension.
"For the first time ever, we're able to say we'll be able to hold over a blockbuster — through Jan. 9, T-Rex is staying in Peoria," he said.
Morris said the exhibit is bringing in people from across the Midwest.
"I bump into people here in the hallway. Where are you from? Chicago. Where are you from? St. Louis. Where are you from? Wisconsin," he said. "We have something they want in the way of inspiration."
Among those able to see the exhibit this fall are K-8 students in Peoria Public Schools and East Peoria District 86. Both districts are part of the Every Student Initiative, which allows them to see the museum at no cost.
Morris said more sponsors are needed to expand the program to other central Illinois school districts.
