LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Trix the T. rex arrives in Glasgow

For 15 weeks from Thursday 18th April, Glasgow's Kelvin Hall will host the world's only real touring Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton!

Trix the T. rex arrives in Glasgow

Article Source: Glasgow Museums
Last Updated: 13 April 2019 8:41

Photo Credit: © Martin Shields Photography

After a road and ferry journey which took her across Europe, Trix the T. rex has arrived in Scotland.

It takes five days for experts to painstakingly unpack and assemble the massive dinosaur skeleton, which weighs a colossal 5,000 kg, the same as four Mini Cooper cars. And organisers gave access to the dinosaur build on Friday 12 April 2019 for an exciting preview of the T. rex skeleton.

With her ferocious teeth and short arms, the Tyrannosaurus rex is probably the most well-known dinosaur in the world.

The 39ft long skeleton is an incredibly rare and important fossil. At Kelvin Hall it forms the centrepiece of T. rex in Town, a major interactive exhibition that will engage and educate visitors on the history of this iconic and ferocious dinosaur species.

The public can also marvel at a painted reconstruction of what the 66-million-year-old T. rex looked like. Visitors might be surprised to see that the most scientifically accurate depiction of the ancient animal shows it had feathers.

Trix’s arrival at Kelvin Hall positions the west end of Glasgow as the dinosaur capital of Scotland! T. rex in Town overlaps with the final weeks of Dippy on Tour from the Natural History Museum at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, just across the road from Kelvin Hall.

Steph Scholten, Director of The Hunterian, said: “We are delighted to welcome Trix the T. rex to Scotland. She has travelled across Europe by road, sailed across the English Channel by ferry and has cleared border control, despite Brexit, to arrive safely with us in Glasgow.

“Bringing this major touring exhibition to the city will allow thousands of Scots, and visitors to Scotland, to see one of the world’s most iconic dinosaur species.

“Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons are very rare finds and Trix is the only real touring T. rex fossil in the world. This is a major coup for Glasgow which is the only UK stop on her European tour.

“T. rex in Town offers a once in a lifetime experience for visitors to come face to face with a real T. rex and learn about her life through this superb interactive exhibition. We hope everyone who comes to see this incredible dinosaur specimen will be as excited to see her as we are.”


Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald, said: “Trix has arrived. The anticipation is growing. Like thousands of other visitors, I am really excited to see this impressive, if slightly scary, creature take shape before my eyes. It’s incredible to watch the skilled team from Naturalis in the Netherlands bring this extremely rare real dinosaur skeleton to life in Glasgow.

“We look forward to welcoming many dinosaur fans to Kelvin Hall over the coming months, where Glaswegians and visitors to the city can enjoy this unique opportunity to stare into the eyes of one of the most terrifying predators ever to have stalked the earth. Trix will be safely housed in a new, bespoke, climate-controlled, 600m2 pavilion within the massive vaults of Kelvin Hall.

“Glasgow is delighted to partner with The Hunterian and Naturalis and take on the proud mantle of dinosaur capital of Scotland. Until 6 May visitors can also marvel at Dippy, the Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus, at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. We trust these spectacular exhibitions will inspire curiosity about the natural world around us.”


The T.rex in Town exhibition has been touring European cities while she waits for a new museum building to be completed at Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in her home city of Leiden, in the Netherlands. Once her visit to Glasgow is finished it is unlikely she will go on tour again.

Edwin van Huis, Director of Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, said: “We are thrilled that Trix is in Glasgow and we are very excited to show her off to Scottish and UK audiences. This marks the final stop of Trix on her European tour before she returns to the Netherlands.

“Trix is one of three of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world, with nearly 80% of her bones intact. She is mounted in such a way that she is bent over with her neck low to the ground, her massive jaws stretched wide in her 1.5-metre skull, staring straight into the visitor’s face. It is a magnificent sight.

“The skeleton is the central part of an interactive and educational exhibition which also includes reconstructed examples of Trix's favourite prey along with the habitat and how she was discovered in Montana, USA.

“Trix is loved by the Dutch people and is an ambassador for us as a museum, which aims to inspire children and adults about the natural world. She has already been seen by over 1 million visitors. It is fantastic the people of Scotland can also admire our queen of dinosaurs and be astonished by nature. We are sure she will have a hugely powerful impact in Glasgow.”


Trix is a unique find. With almost 80 percent of bone volume found, she ranks in the top three T. rex skeletons in the world. Trix is a five-tonne, 39ft (12 metres) long female T. rex whose extremely well-preserved skeleton was discovered in Montana, USA in 2013.

She will be on display at Kelvin Hall from Thursday 18 April to 31 July 2019. The T. rex in Town exhibition is organised by The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Museums and has been supplied by Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

Tickets for the major dinosaur attraction and interactive exhibition are available now https://kelvinhall.org.uk/trex/, Tickets £14 / £8, family ticket £39.50. Concessions are also available.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Eddi Reader announces Glasgow date on 2024 Scotland wide spring tour

Eddi Reader announces Glasgow date on 2024 Scotland wide spring tour

Eddi Reader is set to take her highly anticipated 2024 spring tour to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 28th April!

READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
2024 shortlist announced for Sir Billy Connolly Award at Glasgow International Comedy Festival

2024 shortlist announced for Sir Billy Connolly Award at Glasgow International Comedy Festival

The winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award will be announced at GICF's Comedy Gala on Saturday 30th March at the city's King's Theatre!

READ MORE
West End star Steven Webb joins the cast of Here You Come Again

West End star Steven Webb joins the cast of Here You Come Again

West End star Steven Webb (Oliver!, Book of Mormon) will join the cast of Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again when it comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in October!

READ MORE
The Glastonbury performers you can see in Glasgow at TRNSMT Festival

The Glastonbury performers you can see in Glasgow at TRNSMT Festival

Not managed to get your hands on Glastonbury tickets? There's a chance to see some of the artists performing at TRNSMT hot off the heels of their Worthy Farm appearance!

READ MORE
IMAX Film Fest returns for 2024

IMAX Film Fest returns for 2024

Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its seventh annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 20th April 2024 with tickets on sale for just £3!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Mamasan Collaborates with Great British Menus Ali Borer to Launch New BBQ Offering

Mamasan Collaborates with Great British Menus Ali Borer to Launch New BBQ Offering

This spring, Mamasan in Glasgow is set to redefine the Southeast Asian dining experience with the introduction of an innovative new casual dining menu.

READ MORE
The Burrell Collection announces first international,  ticketed exhibition at the reimagined museum

The Burrell Collection announces first international, ticketed exhibition at the reimagined museum

A new blockbuster exhibition showcasing Sir William Burrell’s complete collection of prized works by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834-1917) will open at The Burrell Collection on Friday 24th May.

READ MORE
Glasgow libraries boost climate conversations with special influencer event

Glasgow libraries boost climate conversations with special influencer event

Celebrity interior designer and broadcaster Anna Campbell-Jones is set to host a special event in The Mitchell Library in Glasgow on Thursday 14th March to discuss sustainable home renovations.

READ MORE
Paul Whitehouse to star in Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Paul Whitehouse to star in Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Comedy giant Paul Whitehouse is to reprise his West End starring role as the lovable Grandad in the smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow!

READ MORE
Govan Music Festival 2024 springs into action in Glasgow

Govan Music Festival 2024 springs into action in Glasgow

The forward-thinking Govan Music Festival opens in Glasgow today as it gears up for four days of progressive performances and inclusive cultural participation at venues across the historic district.

READ MORE
Coronation Street star joins the cast of Sister Act coming to Glasgow

Coronation Street star joins the cast of Sister Act coming to Glasgow

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver will swap the Rovers Return for rosary beads as Mother Superior in the UK and Ireland tour of Olivier Award nominated production, Sister Act The Musical!

READ MORE
New exhibition in Glasgow marks 150 years since birth of Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson

New exhibition in Glasgow marks 150 years since birth of Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Duncan Fergusson (1874-1961), the longest-lived and most international of the pioneering group of artists known as the Scottish Colourists.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Casting Announced for Hairspray at the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Casting Announced for Hairspray at the Kings Theatre Glasgow

Today, the producers of the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour of Hairspray are delighted to announce initial casting for the smash hit musical coming to the King's Theatre Glasgow!

READ MORE
Disabled experience explored in new dance theatre show by Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Disabled experience explored in new dance theatre show by Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Bringing together two leaders within the dance world, an Accident / a Life is an exciting collaboration between Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

READ MORE
El Perro Negro and Greasy Fingers Wine announce NEW collaboration

El Perro Negro and Greasy Fingers Wine announce NEW collaboration

New wine brand, Greasy Fingers, partners with top burger chefs to develop the ultimate burger and wine pairings!

READ MORE
Lead casting announced for award winning musical & Juliet

Lead casting announced for award winning musical & Juliet

Producers of the global sensation & JULIET are delighted to announce Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Sandra Marvin as Angélique and Lara Denning as Anne in the upcoming UK tour!

READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival Industry Focus 2024 closes unveiling its 10 Year Vision

Glasgow Film Festival Industry Focus 2024 closes unveiling its 10 Year Vision

Glasgow Film Festival Industry Focus has unveiled its 10-Year Vision for Glasgow Film Festival's Industry programme, with ambitious plans to become the UK's main destination for independent filmmakers

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Mikaku launch brand new Robata Grill Bar

Mikaku launch brand new Robata Grill Bar

A popular spot in Glasgow, Mikaku, has officially launched its new food offering in its existing site at 45 Queen Street.

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival celebrates one week to go with comedy pop up in disco lift at VEGA

Glasgow International Comedy Festival celebrates one week to go with comedy pop up in disco lift at VEGA

Comedians Chris Forbes and Josie Long marked 1 week to go until Glasgow Comedy Festival kicks off by performing their shortest sets ever in city centre bar VEGA's very own disco lift!

READ MORE
Corrie and Eastenders stars bring Bonnie & Clyde The Musical to Glasgow

Corrie and Eastenders stars bring Bonnie & Clyde The Musical to Glasgow

Fan-favourite and winner of Best New Musical (What'sOnStage Awards 2023), Bonnie & Clyde The Musical has announced full casting for the production's first ever UK & Ireland tour!

READ MORE
Iconic Glasgow venue Platform celebrates sixth birthday

Iconic Glasgow venue Platform celebrates sixth birthday

Platform, one of Glasgow's coolest venues, is set to mark its sixth birthday anniversary with a series of exciting events and special customer incentives throughout March!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Homebuilding & Renovating Show celebrates 30 year anniversary

Homebuilding & Renovating Show celebrates 30 year anniversary

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will be back at the SEC Glasgow on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May.

READ MORE
The oldest house in Glasgow will reopen on Good Friday

The oldest house in Glasgow will reopen on Good Friday

Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, will reopen on Friday 29th March 2024, the charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

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

Stevie Nicks
The icon that is Stevie Nicks will play Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Saturday 6th July ahead of her headline show at BST Hyde Park!
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!
Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a ninth year with 12 nights of live music from Gabrielle, Bananarama, Echo & The Bunnymen and many more!
A Play, A Pie and A Pint Spring Season
A Play, A Pie and A Pint's fabulous Spring Season features 18 wonderful new plays which will shine a spotlight emerging writers, many of whom have never written for them before!
Day Fever Glasgow
DAY FEVER COMES TO GLASGOW! Yes, that's right! Day Fever, the Saturday daytime disco, is coming to BAaD on Saturday 13th April!

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