
About Giants
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago.
Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition.
Encounter Otodus megalodon, the largest shark to have ever swum the oceans, and Titanoboa, the biggest ever snake. What advantages did their immense size offer? Why did they eventually face extinction? How were they discovered?
Visitors to Giants will immerse themselves in the world of a palaeontologist. Use interactives to learn how fossils have been discovered, and find out how prehistoric giants have been reconstructed.
Explore how today’s giant animals - such as whales, gorillas, and elephants - face threats from human activity and climate change. Learn how we can act now to ensure their protection for future generations.
The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Exhibition highlights




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Natural Science news and stories
- Discover
Discovering dinosaur bones on a Scottish island
Dr Elsa Panciroli was walking along the shore of the island of Eigg when something caught her eye. She had stepped on a boulder, but there was something unusual buried in it.Dr Panciroli, a Research Associate at National Museums Scotland,…Keep reading - Discover
Meet ‘Lizzie’, a 345 million year old fossil
In the 1980s, a very important fossil was discovered in Scotland. Named Westlothiana, the fossil got its nickname 'Lizzie' because it looked so lizard-like. But don't let the name fool you. It was thought to be the oldest known reptile,…Keep reading - Discover
The mysterious 15 million year gap in our evolution
If the first four-legged animals had never emerged from water onto land, our world today would not exist. Yet how did this great step happen? For decades, scientists didn’t know. Now, the mystery is finally being solved – and fossils…Keep reading
Accessibility and facilities
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland.

Family Membership
Enjoy a range of benefits, including great days out, free entry, unlimited access to our special exhibitions, and much more.

Family Membership
Enjoy a range of benefits, including great days out, free entry, unlimited access to our special exhibitions, and much more.
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