Matt Christopher

This is as big as it gets.

The Dino Lab, at 1,729-square feet, gives Union Station and Kansas City the distinction of being home to America's largest fossil prep lab, based in a museum. But it's not just the lab's size that sets it apart.

THE DINO LAB IS THE FIRST FACILITY of its kind anywhere to permit the general public -- you, your kids, anyone -- to view the entire scientific process involved in prepping dinosaur specimens for display.

"It's big, and it's set up so OUR VISITORS WILL FEEL AS IF THEY ARE ENTERING RIGHT INTO THE LAB," says Matt Christopher, the Dino Lab's chief paleontologist. "They'll be able to see it all -- from dirt to digital, as we clean the bones, make our illustrations, do the science research."

So, access and its immense size are what make the Dino Lab different than other paleo laboratories. For one thing, there are very few labs of this nature open to the public. Then there's all that work that will done for all to see.

"Some labs tend to make a big production out of molding a tooth, every now and then," says Dino Matt. "We'll be casting huge shoulder blades one day, an arm the next day, then a giant foot the day after that. I like the idea that people will see that we don't just dig up the bones, and that's all there is to it."

This arm of a Camarasaurus is more than 8 feet tall, and it's from a juvenile specimen.