Monkeys! was a major family-friendly exhibition which explored the fascinating world of primates. 

Presented within an immersive, multisensory and specimen-rich environment, the exhibition brought innovative taxidermy to life and invited visitors to meet both their primate ancestors and today’s apes and monkeys.

This exhibition is now on display at its final venue and is no longer available to hire.

The exhibition explored the extraordinary diversity of primates from the tiny mouse lemur to the mighty gorilla, examining how they live, move, eat, play and interact, and how they have evolved and adapted over time. It also investigated the relationship between humans and primates, including the threats of extinction, habitat loss and hunting.

Monkeys! featured more than 60 spectacular taxidermy specimens prepared especially for the exhibition. Species included monkeys, apes, lemurs, lorises and bushbabies, all of which entered the National Museums Scotland collection after passing away from natural causes in wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. The exhibition also featured 6 engaging digital interactives and 3 manual interactives, alongside stunning photography and films.

Exhibition Specifications and Tour Pack

Venue gallery size: 450 – 700 sqm

Venue ceiling height: 4 metres recommended

Conservation and security: High

Download the Monkeys! tour pack

Exhibition venues and dates

The Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels
11 October 2017 – 26 August 2018

Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Australia
29 September 2018 – 28 January 2019

Natural Science Museum of Barcelona, Spain
11 December 2019 – 29 November 2020

The Horniman Museum and Gardens, London
17 May 2021 – 3 January 2022

Museum Centre Vapriikki, Tampere, Finland
24 February 2022 – 23 October 2022

The Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen
12 May 2023 – 18 February 2024

Kuopio Museum, Finland
30 March – 29 September 2024