Welcome to the Poozeum: Coprolite collector quits job to open museum of fossilized poo
Owner of the world’s largest collection of coprolites (AKA fossilized faeces) has quit his corporate job to fulfil his dream of opening his very own poo museum.
George Frandsen (USA) is delighted to have finally opened the doors to the Poozeum in Williams, Arizona.
Visitors will have access to George’s entire record-breaking collection, which even includes dinosaur poo.
Telling us all about his exciting new adventure, George said: “Several years ago, I noticed a glaring absence of coprolite representation in mainstream sources and museum exhibits.
“This observation motivated me to create a travelling coprolite exhibition and donate it to museums across the USA, aiming to address this void. The enthusiastic response from visitors to these temporary exhibits highlighted the demand for a dedicated space where coprolites could be prominently showcased and their scientific significance thoroughly explored.
This realization ignited my resolve to establish a permanent home for the collection, allowing my vision for the Poozeum to be fully realized and appreciated by all.
George’s collection was last officially counted in August 2015, when it stood at 1,277 pieces.
In the almost 10 years since then, the collection has grown to a whopping (or plopping) 8,000 pieces.
George said: “After 2015, I was able to network with people who offered to give, sell, and even trade coprolites to me from all over the world.
“The collection now comprises approximately 8,000 pieces. Instead of focusing on the quantity of coprolites in my collection, I now concentrate on finding the most incredible pieces in the world.”
So what’s George’s museum all about?
Billed as “the world’s premier dinosaur poop museum and gift shop”, its doors officially opened to the public on 18 May.
George says the Poozeum is “one of a kind” and offers an “unforgettable experience for all ages”.
He added: “Williams, Arizona, often referred to as ‘The Gateway to The Grand Canyon’, serves as a central hub for visitors exploring the canyon and its surrounding attractions. With this in mind, the museum is designed to cater to tourists from all over the world seeking a distinctive, memorable, and enjoyable experience during their vacation. Kids especially LOVE it!
I would like to emphasize that our museum is open to everyone every day, free of charge. We believe that financial constraints should never hinder anyone from experiencing the wonders within our exhibits.
“Our revenue is generated primarily through our dinosaur-themed gift shop, ensuring that access to knowledge and discovery remains unrestricted.”
George, 45, had spent 14 years working at a healthcare company when he decided to pursue his dream.
He said: “I held the position of Senior Director of Safety, Security, Logistics, and Hospitality at a large healthcare company. It was an excellent job, working with incredible people. However, my dream has been to start a Poozeum Museum, where my vision could come to life.
“Earlier this year, everything in life aligned for this crazy idea to take flight. So, I made the very difficult decision to resign from my job, sold our house, and moved 2,000 miles to Williams, Arizona, for this dream to take hold.”
Fun fact: George also owns the largest coprolite from a carnivore – a specimen called “Barnum” that measures 67.5 cm (2 ft 2.5 in) long.
George has had a passion for dinosaurs and fossils since he was a child.
He saw a coprolite for the first time when he was aged 18 during a visit to a rock and fossil shop in Utah.
“Instantly, I found it both hilarious and fascinating,” he confessed.
“This sparked my curiosity, leading me to learn everything I could about coprolites. I soon realized that these peculiar prehistoric ‘time capsules’ offer direct insights into the diets, behaviours, and environments of ancient creatures.
“This realization fuelled my desire to acquire more coprolites, whether by finding them myself or purchasing them, in order to further explore and expand my understanding of prehistoric life.”
He added: “Initially, many people react with a ‘yuck’ face or laughter when they first hear about the Poozeum. However, after witnessing the collection, their reactions often shift to shock at the diverse and intriguing nature of coprolites.
“Given that most people have little to no experience with coprolites, it's enjoyable to introduce them to this fascinating world and share the wonders they hold.”
Find out more about the Poozeum here.
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