Monkeys! A Primate Story
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.
Image gallery
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
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