Giants at the National Museum of Scotland

Giants brings life-sized prehistoric animals, fossils, skeletons and hands-on displays to the National Museum of Scotland until Monday 14 September.

The exhibition looks at huge creatures that lived after the dinosaurs, including the megalodon, Titanoboa, woolly mammoth and giant ground sloth.

Giants is now open at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, giving families, museum visitors and curious adults a chance to get close to some of the biggest animals ever to live on Earth.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 31 January to Monday 14 September and is held in Exhibition Gallery 1 on Level 3. Tickets start from £13, with concessions available and free entry for National Museums Scotland members.

Key Event Details

Detail	Info
Event	Giants
Dates	Saturday 31 January to Monday 14 September
Venue	National Museum of Scotland
Location	Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Gallery	Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Tickets	From £13
Concessions	Available
Members	Free entry
Booking	Via National Museums Scotland

What to Expect

Giants focuses on colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, around 66 million years ago.

The exhibition includes life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, fossils and interactive displays. Visitors can learn how fossils are discovered, how scientists reconstruct extinct animals, and why some species grew to such enormous sizes.

Featured creatures include Otodus megalodon, the largest shark known to have swum the oceans, and Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the biggest snake ever discovered.

You’ll also find displays linked to the woolly mammoth, giant ground sloth, cave lion, giant deer, prehistoric sperm whale and sabre-toothed cat.

Tickets and Prices

Tickets are available through the National Museum of Scotland website.

Advance prices are:

Ticket Type	Advance Price
Adult	£13
Over 65	£12
Student, Disabled, Young Scot	£10
Child aged 5-15	£9
National Art Pass	£6.50
Universal Credit adult	£3
Universal Credit child	Free
National Museums Scotland member	Free

On-the-day tickets cost slightly more, so booking in advance is the better option if you already know when you want to go.

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. Essential carers can enter free.

There is also 10% off when booking as a family, subject to the museum’s ticket terms.

Accessibility and Relaxed Views

The exhibition is on Level 3 and can be reached by escalator from the Collecting Stories gallery or by lift from the Grand Gallery.

National Museums Scotland says there is space for wheelchair users inside the exhibition. Seating is available, and large print guides can be found near the entrance and exit.

Relaxed Views are also scheduled on selected dates, with reduced visitor numbers and soundtracks switched off.

Upcoming relaxed sessions include:

• Sunday 7 June, 10am to 12pm
• Sunday 5 July, 10am to 12pm
• Sunday 2 August, 10am to 12pm
• Sunday 6 September, 10am to 12pm

Last entry for these relaxed sessions is 11am.

Location

The National Museum of Scotland is on Chambers Street, a short walk from the Royal Mile, South Bridge and George IV Bridge.

It’s one of the easiest major Edinburgh attractions to reach on foot if you’re already in the Old Town. Edinburgh Waverley station is around 10 to 15 minutes away on foot, depending on your pace and route.

Buses run nearby on South Bridge, George IV Bridge and Nicolson Street.

Our Tips

• Book in advance if you’re visiting during weekends or school holidays.
• Leave time for the rest of the museum, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
• Check the relaxed session dates if anyone in your group prefers a quieter visit.
• The exhibition is indoors, so it’s a solid wet-weather option in Edinburgh.

Useful Links

Official event page:
https://www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants

Book tickets:
https://my.nms.ac.uk/events?k=giants