LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Dippy gets a Glasgow makeover!

Bemused bosses at Kelvingrove are hunting an unknown prankster whose clandestine doing is sure to strengthen Dippy's honorary Scot appeal!

Dippy gets a Glasgow makeover!

Article Source: Glasgow Museums
Last Updated: 1 April 2019 7:21

With record-breaking attendances at Kelvingrove Museum under his bones Dippy, the Natural History Museum London’s famous dinosaur, has proved a huge hit in Glasgow. But today, Monday 1st April, bemused museum bosses are hunting an unknown prankster whose clandestine doing is sure to strengthen Dippy’s honorary Scot appeal. Dippy has donned some rather unusual headgear, in the form of an over-sized orange and white traffic cone. The rather strange choice of accessory appears to be a nod to one of Glasgow’s most well-known monuments, the Wellington Statue.

The equestrian statue of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, located outside the Gallery of Modern Art, is one of Glasgow's most iconic landmarks. Since the early 1980’s it has become something of a tradition to surreptitiously scale the statue and top it with a traffic cone. In 2011 the Lonely Planet guide included it in its list of the Top 10 most bizarre monuments on Earth.

Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald said: ‘Glaswegians and visitors to our wonderful city have taken Dippy to their hearts. Clearly Dippy feels at home here, so much so he has his very own cone emulating Glasgow’s legendary Duke of Wellington statue, which has become a symbol of Glasgow’s identity, our unique and much-lauded sense of humour.

‘Dippy on Tour has been the most successful temporary exhibition at Kelvingrove since it reopened after refurbishment 13 years ago. We’re unsure quite how the traffic cone came to crown this most majestic of creatures, who has captivated people and inspired thousands to enjoy a natural history adventure on their own doorstep.’


Scottish historian Tom Rex added: ‘Arthur Wellesley 1st Duke of Wellington was best known for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and several statues honouring him can be found across the UK. The one in Glasgow was designed by Italian sculptor Carlo Marochetti and erected in 1844.

‘The Wellington Statue, complete with orange and white traffic cone, draws tourists from across the world, brings a smile to locals’ lips and has inspired its own range of merchandise sold across the city, so I’m not surprised Dippy was keen to get in on the act. The Duke even made a cameo appearance in Danny Boyle’s BAFTA Scotland winning black comedy drama T2 Trainspotting.’


Glasgow is the fourth stop on an eight city UK wide tour. Since opening to a rapturous Scottish audience in Kelvingrove Museum at the end of January, over 350,000 people have marvelled at the impressive 21.3 meter long diplodocus cast, setting a record for the highest number of visitors to date. This is more than 100,000 more people than in any other city on the tour so far – with five weeks of his visit still to go.

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

The splendid 292 bone structure is on show until 6 May 2019. Admission is free and you do not require a ticket to visit, although people are being asked to consider using public transport to get to Kelvingrove Museum and leave a little extra time to see Dippy, especially at weekends and during school holidays.

Dippy on Tour is on a mission to inspire five million natural history adventures and encourage families to explore nature on their doorstep. Glasgow Museums will use Dippy’s visit, together with a supporting public and schools programme, to showcase the city’s natural history collection and stunning local natural habitats.


For further information on Dippy on Tour and associated events, visit www.glasgowmuseums.com. #DippyOnTour

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly champion Kevin Clifton joins Everybodys Talking About Jamie

Strictly champion Kevin Clifton joins Everybodys Talking About Jamie

Staring X-Factor winner and legend Sam Bailey and Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton, Everybody's Talking About Jamie comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in May!

READ MORE
Top contenders get shortlisted in the 7th Scottish Hospitality Award 2024

Top contenders get shortlisted in the 7th Scottish Hospitality Award 2024

Creative Oceanic powered by Oceanic Awards is proud to announce the 7th Scottish Hospitality Awards 2024.

READ MORE
First listening bar in Scotland to open in Glasgow

First listening bar in Scotland to open in Glasgow

Scotland's first listening bar opens this weekend with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack Glasgow.

READ MORE
Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Glasgow

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

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 Glasgow's King's Theatre!

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
Ozen brings its cult classic Eastern fusion flavours westside!

Ozen brings its cult classic Eastern fusion flavours westside!

Glasgow gourmands, the wait is over! After shaking up the street food scene in the Scottish capital, Ozen is now bringing its Eastern fusion flavours westside and launching in Glasgow!

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
Popular annual Glasgow book festival Aye Write called off after funding rejected

Popular annual Glasgow book festival Aye Write called off after funding rejected

There will be no Aye Write book festival this year after its application for funding was rejected by Creative Scotland.

READ MORE
Hospital patients receive tasty treats from Buchanan Galleries

Hospital patients receive tasty treats from Buchanan Galleries

Buchanan Galleries, together with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, has donated 500 chocolate Easter Eggs for children in hospital to enjoy.

READ MORE
Go Cycle Fund evaluation showcases cycling success in Glasgow

Go Cycle Fund evaluation showcases cycling success in Glasgow

An independent evaluation published by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has highlighted significant, wide-ranging benefits delivered by the Go Cycle Glasgow Fund.

READ MORE
VEGA unveils vibrant new music programme to celebrate spring nights

VEGA unveils vibrant new music programme to celebrate spring nights

VEGA, Glasgow's sky-high bar and restaurant, has unveiled a jam-packed new weekly music programme to welcome those sunny spring nights!

READ MORE
Matt Cardle to play Shakespeare in & Juliet

Matt Cardle to play Shakespeare in & Juliet

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
Additional dates announced for 60th Anniversary pantomime!

Additional dates announced for 60th Anniversary pantomime!

The King's Theatre, Glasgow have announced additional dates for this year's high-flying pantomime adventure, Peter Pan.

READ MORE
Historic Glasgow village launches digital heritage trail

Historic Glasgow village launches digital heritage trail

Carmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.

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
Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

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
Unmasking Leaders Workshop: Unlock Your Leadership Potential in Glasgow this April

Unmasking Leaders Workshop: Unlock Your Leadership Potential in Glasgow this April

Leadership specialist Gavin Bryce announces the launch of the second Unmasking Leaders Workshop of 2024 on Thursday 11th April in Glasgow returns by demand.

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
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
Silverburn confirm latest new openings this Spring

Silverburn confirm latest new openings this Spring

Scotland's inaugural Polestar Showroom officially opened at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn on Friday 22nd March.

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
Glasgow Film Festival 2024 celebrates a bumper 20th edition

Glasgow Film Festival 2024 celebrates a bumper 20th edition

Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) 2024 wrapped up on Sunday 10 March by celebrating a bumper year of ticket sales and local and international talent.

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
Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

From an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.

READ MORE
Strathclyde University are crowned winners of the Glasgow Taxis Cup

Strathclyde University are crowned winners of the Glasgow Taxis Cup

Strathclyde University were crowned winners of Scotland’s largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, after edging out city rivals Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian.

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
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
Feast on exclusive offers and specially curated menus during Glasgow Restaurant Week

Feast on exclusive offers and specially curated menus during Glasgow Restaurant Week

More than fifty of Glasgow's leading restaurants and cafes have revealed their exclusive menus to mark the countdown to Glasgow Restaurant Week!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"

Popular Events

Fun Time Carnivals: Glasgow Green
Fun Time Carnivals are bringing their funfair to Glasgow Green between Friday 29th March and Sunday 14th April, just in time for the Easter Holidays!
Big Feed Easter Holiday Weekend
Come join Big Feed at Golf It! for their first event of the year... the Big Feed Easter Holiday Weekend!
The Night Market Glasgow - Easter Special
The Night Market returns to Glasgow for an Easter Special... it's a fantabulous night time market place, bringing you the most exciting makers, music, artisans, vintage and so much more!
Silverburn Carnival
Easter fun for everyone! From heart-pounding thrills for all ages to sweet treats and classic funfair games! There is something for the whole family at the Silverburn Carnival!
Hong Kong Street Market
Bring your friends, family, and doggies for a weekend filled with excitement and cultural exploration when the Hong Kong Street Market returns to the Barras Market!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro