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.