Photos By Gail

If you’re heading to the Brooklyn Museum from Manhattan (or just looking for an unexpected adventure on your subway commute), make sure to get off the train one stop early at Grand Army Plaza (2 or 3 train) and pay a visit to Rex’s Dino Store — a wildly creative pop-up and public art installation that’s turning heads and raising smiles.

Set up to resemble a classic NYC newsstand kiosk, Rex’s Dino Store is a spot-on parody — except, instead of gum and tabloids, this vendor sells wares fit for the prehistoric set. Think: rocks, leaves, dinosaur eggs, nest goods, and even lotto tickets. The whole setup is “run” by a human-sized, apron-wearing T-Rex who’s clearly got the hustle. It’s quirky, clever, and seriously Instagram-worthy.

We checked it out through the gates  on our way from Manhattan to the Brooklyn Museum, hopping off at Grand Army Plaza specifically to catch this installation in action. Although we were too cheap to exit the turnstiles (we didn’t want to pay a second fare), the pop-up is located before the turnstiles, meaning anyone entering the station from the street can check it out for free — no MetroCard swipe required. Nice!

The pop-up has been attracting plenty of curious commuters and selfie-snappers, and we totally get the hype. It’s hilarious, unexpected, and a perfect little dose of public art whimsy.

Rex’s Dino Store will be active at Grand Army Plaza for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to check it out. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a dino-lover of any age, it’s well worth the detour.

Location: Grand Army Plaza Subway Station, Brooklyn (2 or 3 train)
On view through: Unknown
Cost: Free (before the turnstiles!)

Get your selfie with the T-Rex while you still can!