
Monkeys: Our Primate Family exhibition visit
About Monkeys: Our Primate Family exhibition visit
Experience the lives of rare primates up close. Explore over 50 species in lifelike displays, discover their adaptations, and learn about vital conservation efforts, in this unique learning experience for students.
'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' runs from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 30 November 2025.
What will my pupils do?
Pupils will get the opportunity to:
- Explore rare and endangered primates: See over 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs, and lorises, including the Barbary Macaque, Western Lowland Gorilla, and ring-tailed Lemur.
- Learn about primate adaptations: Discover how primates have evolved to travel, hunt for food, and survive in diverse habitats.
- Experience lifelike displays: View taxidermy specimens posed as they would behave in the wild, a first-of-its-kind exhibition feature.
- Understand primate communication and social systems: Learn about complex behaviors such as ultrasonic communication by tarsiers and predator-specific calls by vervet monkeys.
- Focus on conservation: Gain insights into threats like habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, and learn how ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect primates.
Find out more about 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family'
Teaching notes can be downloaded below.
Book our workshop
Why not enhance your visit by booking our workshop?
Eco Explorers: Monkeys will guarantee access to the exhibition and include opportunities to handle various primate skulls.
- Curriculum links
SCN 1-01a SCN 2-01a SCN 3-01a SCN 4-01a
SCN 1-02a SCN 2-02a
SCN 1-20a SCN 3-20a SCN 4-20a
SCN 2-20b
TCH 1-06a TCH 2-06a TCH 3-06a
TCH 2-07a TCH 3-07a TCH 4-07a
SOC 1-08a SOC 2-08a SOC 3-08a SOC 4-08a
HWB 1-11a HWB 2-11a HWB 3-11a HWB 4-11a
LIT 1-02a LIT 2-02a LIT 3-02a LIT 4-02a
LIT 1-07a LIT 2-07a LIT 3-07a LIT 4-07a
- Sustainable development goals
4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
- Meta skills framework
Self-Management - Focusing, integrity
Social Intelligence - Communicating, feeling
Innovation - Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking
Timings
Check your booking for timings and arrive at the museum at least 15 minutes before the start of your exhibition visit slot.
Available dates
August 2025
Mon 18 Aug 2025
Wed 20 Aug 2025
Mon 25 Aug 2025
Wed 27 Aug 2025
September 2025
Mon 1 Sep 2025
Wed 3 Sep 2025
Mon 8 Sep 2025
Wed 10 Sep 2025
Wed 17 Sep 2025
Mon 22 Sep 2025
Wed 24 Sep 2025
Mon 29 Sep 2025
October 2025
Wed 1 Oct 2025
Mon 6 Oct 2025
Wed 8 Oct 2025
Wed 22 Oct 2025
Mon 27 Oct 2025
November 2025
Mon 3 Nov 2025
Wed 5 Nov 2025
Mon 10 Nov 2025
Wed 12 Nov 2025
Mon 17 Nov 2025
Wed 19 Nov 2025
Mon 24 Nov 2025
Wed 26 Nov 2025
Request a visit
Booking Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policy
- National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.
- Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of £25.
- A charge of £50 will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations.
- In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee.
- Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
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