LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Dippy on Tour surpasses one million visitors milestone!

Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure has been visited by more than one million people, breaking records at every venue visited so far!

Dippy on Tour surpasses one million visitors milestone!

Article Source: Glasgow Museums
Last Updated: 10 April 2019 16:45

Never before on public display outside of London, the Natural History Museum’s iconic 26-metre-long Diplodocus cast, Dippy, is travelling the length and breadth of the UK until late 2020 on a nationwide tour.

Dippy is currently on display at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the fourth stop of the eight-venue-tour. Since his Scottish debut on 22 January over 450,000 people have marvelled at the iconic diplodocus.

The tour originally aimed to introduce 1.5 million people to the awe-inspiring dinosaur cast, helping inspire the next generation of scientists and encourage families to explore nature on their doorstep. Now as the tour reaches the halfway point Dippy is already well over halfway towards achieving his ambitious goal.

Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure is being brought to visitors across the UK by the Natural History Museum in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation, and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill.

Director of the Natural History Museum, Sir Michael Dixon says: “We are thrilled with the news that Dippy has been seen already by one million visitors. His success at the first four venues has been beyond our expectations. Not only has he broken visitor number records at every venue, Dippy has had a huge social and economic impact, benefiting the surrounding communities.

“All of our partner venues have put on fantastic supporting exhibitions and worked with other local organisations to create a programme of activities which have so far helped to inspire tens of thousands of children to go on Dippy-themed adventures in the great outdoors. With four venues left on the tour in Newcastle, Cardiff, Rochdale and Norwich we have no doubt that Dippy will continue to draw crowds and thrill children.”


Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, says: “We are absolutely delighted that one million people have been enthralled by Dippy in Dorchester, Birmingham, Belfast and now Glasgow. We hope that he continues to inspire visitors to think about and explore the wonders of our natural world in the remaining four stops of his tour.”

Reaching this major milestone follows a succession of smash-hit appearances. At Dorset County Museum, yearly visitor numbers tripled in under three months with Dippy being seen by 153,189 people, providing a £2.25 million boost to the local economy.

At Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s he was the most successful temporary exhibition ever, attracting 140,000 additional visitors to Birmingham’s city centre who ultimately spent £4.2m in the city. This success was recently referred to as the “Dippy phenomenon” by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) who cited the dinosaur as a reason for the increase of 38% (831,548 visits) to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Continued successes were seen at Belfast’s Ulster Museum who reported the highest number of visitors ever for an exhibition in a single day (4,200) and received 130,000 visitors overall. Now as Dippy reaches one million visitors mark whilst in residence at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, he has set another visitor record. With almost half a million visitors so far, the museum has achieved its highest number of visitors to a temporary exhibition to date.

Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald, said: “The response to Dippy on Tour at Kelvingrove Museum has been incredible. Almost half a million people have come and wondered at this marvellous creature. We are delighted Dippy will add the title of millionaire to his many achievements here in Glasgow, a city that has really taken him to our heart. It’s a fantastic overall number, which we expect will only grow during the last four weeks of his stopover in Glasgow.”

“Don’t forget there is still time to see Dippy in Glasgow before he stomps off to Newcastle, where we are sure he will amaze many thousands more people.”


Dippy will be on display at Kelvingrove Museum until 6 May. His next destination, the fifth on the tour, will be the Great North Museum, Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne, where he will be in residence from 18 May - 6 October 2019.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Edinburgh

Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Edinburgh

Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Edinburgh Playhouse!

READ MORE
Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE
Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Set to Open its Doors in Edinburgh

Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Set to Open its Doors in Edinburgh

Sip & Bark, a vibrant dog-friendly brunch spot, is delighted to announce its grand opening next month in Raeburn Place, Stockbridge.

READ MORE
Easter Family Activities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Easter Family Activities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Come along to the Palace of Holyroodhouse this Easter for a range of family activities! £1 Gallery tickets will also be available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits

READ MORE
Join The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the joy of adventure through Journeys

Join The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the joy of adventure through Journeys

This August, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will welcome guests from around the world to experience its new Show, Journeys.

READ MORE
Easter at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Easter at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Looking for an egg-stravagnza this Easter weekend? St James Quarter is giving guests the chance to win a host of foodie prizes, plus enjoy a basketful of family fun in the Quarter.

READ MORE
Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Easter Brunch to Kids Easter Egg Hunt, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy this Spring at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh!

READ MORE
Edinburgh Playhouse celebrates Creative Learning initiatives this World Theatre Day

Edinburgh Playhouse celebrates Creative Learning initiatives this World Theatre Day

To marks World Theatre Day, Edinburgh Playhouse is highlighting the wonderful Creative Learning projects and initiatives that they have launched since Katie Mitchell was appointed in September 2023.

READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Edinburgh favourite Kilted Donut bring their US inspired treats to Bonnie & Wild for Easter extravaganza

Edinburgh favourite Kilted Donut bring their US inspired treats to Bonnie & Wild for Easter extravaganza

Visitors to Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild are in for a sweet treat during the Easter holidays as the popular Food Hall hosts an exclusive pop-up with renowned local bakery Kilted Donut.

READ MORE
Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels

Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels

Macdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Matt Cardle to Play Shakespeare in & Juliet at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Matt Cardle to Play Shakespeare in & Juliet at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Multi-platinum selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor, Matt Cardle, will play the role of Shakespeare in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of & Juliet.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Fayre Play Celebrates First Birthday by giving away Incredible Prizes Across Edinburgh

Fayre Play Celebrates First Birthday by giving away Incredible Prizes Across Edinburgh

Fayre Play Edinburgh is gearing up to celebrate its first birthday in style by giving away £1000 worth of prizes through an exciting city-wide Duck Hunt this Easter!

READ MORE
Judy Murray to get tails wagging at Corgi Derby

Judy Murray to get tails wagging at Corgi Derby

Judy Murray OBE will start the third annual Corgi Derby – the popular “four-legged sprint with a difference” that kicks off The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.

READ MORE
Easter Bank Holiday Celebrations at Gusto Italian

Easter Bank Holiday Celebrations at Gusto Italian

Gusto Italian invites guests to celebrate their bank holiday with a bottomless brunch and an Easter egg hunt.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Tastes The Tingle As Unique Shot Launches

Edinburgh Tastes The Tingle As Unique Shot Launches

WATTSHOT, the premium shot company, has landed in Edinburgh with the first ever gin designed to be drunk as a shot!

READ MORE
Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

On Saturday 30th March, start your Easter Weekend right by fuelling up on Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh's all-time breakfast favourites, featuring a complementary visit from the Easter Bunny.

READ MORE
Georgian fashions and majestic paintings go on display as The Kings Gallery reopens

Georgian fashions and majestic paintings go on display as The Kings Gallery reopens

A sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and other rare surviving items of Georgian clothing are among almost 100 works from the Royal Collection that go on show from today.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
Six by Nico announce New York themed menu

Six by Nico announce New York themed menu

Six by Nico's upcoming menu promises to take guests on a quintessential New York gastronomic excursion.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
Fhior joins forces with Pomelo for a special Scottish Asian influenced pop up

Fhior joins forces with Pomelo for a special Scottish Asian influenced pop up

Two neighbourhood restaurants - Fhior on Broughton Street and Pomelo from Sciennes Road - are teaming up on Sunday 21st April to bring a fusion of their cuisines to Edinburgh city centre.

READ MORE
Award winning performance Pain and I returns to tour Scotland

Award winning performance Pain and I returns to tour Scotland

Award-winning performance Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger, about living with chronic pain, and moving with care, returns to tour Scotland.

READ MORE
Spring screening for theatre lovers at Vue Edinburgh Omni & Vue Edinburgh Ocean

Spring screening for theatre lovers at Vue Edinburgh Omni & Vue Edinburgh Ocean

Theatre lovers have a lot to celebrate this World Theatre Day (27 March), with Vue screening some of the UK’s best stage productions throughout spring.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Childrens Festival 2024 programme revealed

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival 2024 programme revealed

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival launched its programme today, with an exciting line up of performances.

READ MORE
Award winning tour operator expands to Scotland

Award winning tour operator expands to Scotland

Taste & Tour have announced their expansion into Scotland, initially offering public tours in Edinburgh and corporate experiences across the central belt.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Hamilton
The multi award-winning cultural phenomenon 'Hamilton' is touring the UK for the very first time and is coming to the Festival Theatre for a 9 week season from 28th February 2024!
Taylor’s Of Edinburgh Present: Dalkeith Mega Value Carnival
Taylor's Of Edinburgh return to Kings Park, Dalkeith with their Mega Value Fun Fair from Friday 22nd March to Monday 1st April!
The Take That Experience
The Take That Experience, the UK's leading Take That tribute act head to Edinburgh's La Belle Angele on 26th July.
A Play, A Pie and A Pint
A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns for 2024.
Cast
Cast bring their 2024 Autumn Tour to La Belle Angele on Thursday 3rd October!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall