At a 65-acre fossil park in Mantua, New Jersey, 66-million-year old marine and terrestrial fossils are sited below ground. Rowan University purchased the land from Inversand Company in January 2016 for $1.9 million.In its post-quarry days the site was frequented by hobbyist and professional paleontologists. More recently, theJean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University was built atop this landscape; the highly-anticipated museum building, nested on a ridge between a lake and quarry overlook, was designed by Ennead Architects, KSS Architects and G&A. A 44,000-square-foot museum anchors the marl quarry-turned-fossil park, one of the largest public net-zero carbon emissions building in New Jersey. Inside, full-scale reconstructions of extinct creatures hang from the ceiling and stand on plinths to share history with themes that still resonate today.Other exhibitions and programming include hands-on learning experiences, live animal attractions, a collections and conservation facility, a virtual reality chamber, a 138-seat theater and event space, and community gathering spaces. Theres also a cafe with an outdoor veranda that overlooks the quarry.G&A provided exhibition design services. (Jeff Goldberg/Esto)The design draws from the truly profound nature of this site, unique in the world for its evidence about the calamitous fate of the dinosaurs, Thomas J. Wong, Ennead design partner, shared in a statement.As visitors encounter the rich variety of experiences that the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum has to offer, they gain a greater understanding of the deep past, are shown how that relates to the current state of our planet, and are encouraged to take action to shape a better future for us all, Wong continued. The boxy building comprises several rectangular volumes clad in wood. Inside the exhibition space, glulam columns and beams, timber roof decking, and renewable materials also make up the assembly. Bird-friendly glass was applied in the windows which frame stunning views of the context.Glulam columns and beams, glulam timber roof decking, and renewable materials make up the assembly. (Jeff Goldberg/Esto)A state-of-the-art fossil lab facilitates research. (Jeff Goldberg/Esto)A range of exhibition content presents material to museum patrons. (Jeff Goldberg/Esto)In regard to its sustainable properties, the building practices what it preaches: It lives up to standards set by the Energy Petal Certification of the Living Building Challenge. This was enabled by massing and orientation strategies taken by designers which minimize heating and cooling loads.An all-electric mechanical system assists in clean, on-site energy production. A geothermal system connected to on-site wells further reduces heating and cooling loads.In other words, as museum executive director Kenneth Lacovara put it: No fossil fuels at the fossil park.