Monkeys: Our Primate Family
See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' at the National Museum of Scotland.
About Monkeys: Our Primate Family
This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.
Visitors will discover how primates have evolved and adapted to travel and hunt for food. 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' also reveals how primates communicate, and their complex social systems.
It is the first exhibition of its kind to show primate taxidermy specimens behaving as they would in the wild. Specimens on display include the Barbary Macaque, Western Lowland Gorilla, and ring-tailed Lemur.
'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' uncovers the threat of extinction, habitat loss and hunting that primates face today. Visitors will hear about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect primates in the wild and learn how to make a difference to their survival.
The exhibition first opened at the National Museum of Scotland in 2016 before embarking on an international tour. It returns to Edinburgh for a final time having been seen by over 500,000 visitors in six countries around the world.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at National Museum of Scotland
Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
READ MORE
Find Out Fridays
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MORE
Sprogmanay
Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns on New Year’s Day at the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MORE
Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh
Enjoy a night like no other in the beautiful setting of the National Museum of Scotland at night as the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band bring the Grand Gallery to life!
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble: Concerts for a Summer’s Night
Join the Scottish Ensemble for their annual event, Concerts for a Summer's Night, at National Museum of Scotland on Friday 19th June!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
The Biba Story: 1964–1975
The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.
READ MORE
Shorthair & All Breed Championship Cat Show
The annual GCCF Championship Cat Show will be held on Saturday 14th February at West Lothian College Sports Hall, Livingston. It's a purr-fect day out for cat lovers everywhere!
READ MORE
Classic Trucks & Tractors
From the organisers of Truckfest comes Classic Trucks & Tractors, a brand-new show on 28th Feb & 1st March 2026 at the Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorcycle Show
The Scottish Motorcycle Show returns to the Royal Highland Centre on March 7th & 8th with all the latest models, major manufacturers, and breath-taking live action!
READ MORE
100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes
The 100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes is back at The Edinburgh Academy on Saturday 21st March, following its great success last year!
READ MORE
The Scottish Tattoo Convention
The Scottish Tattoo Convention returns to the O2 Academy Edinburgh in March 2026, bigger and better than ever!
READ MORE
The Scottish Kennel Club: Double Championship Dog Show
The Scottish Kennel Club is delighted to be holding, once again, its double (All Breed & General) Championship Show in May 2026.
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links