The museum will host its first event for the Fossil Flicks silent film festival, a screening of several silent films from the 1920s. 

Each film is related to the Somerville Collection, with a science and dinosaur theme.

The first screening will be of The Lost World, adapted from Arthur Connan Doyle's 1912 novel, and animated cartoon Gertie the Dinosaur, which are some of the earliest examples of stop motion animation featuring dinosaurs.

Public programs officer Penny Packham said these titles, and the others in the festival, helped to make science fiction such a popular genre.

“[The Lost Word] actually sparked the whole Jurassic Park series of movies,” she said.

The film festival will continue on July 7 and July 14 with more early silent films.

Ms Packham said patrons are invited to dress to suit the 1920s theme and can enjoy a pop-up bar and popcorn. 

“It is not really for a child audience – it is for adults,” she said.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for concession holders. 

Places are limited and need to be booked ahead of time by calling 6331 5511.

There are single seats and tables of four or five seats available.