Sometimes, it is the small touches that have the biggest impact at the National Museum of Scotland. Visiting during the opening members’ night, the atmosphere was thick with the grumbling purrs and muted roars of beasts long since passed. These prehistoric sounds, played through speakers embedded within the models, created a surreal and immersive version of nature that immediately sets the tone for Giants.
A Single Space Through Time
The National Museum of Scotland has utilised its exhibition space differently for Giants. Rather than the winding passageways of previous displays, this exhibition occupies a single, open hall. While this makes the footprint feel slightly smaller than previous years, the layout is used effectively to create a chronological journey.
Following the suggested order allows you to walk through time, beginning 66 million years ago. It is a linear progression that feels purposeful, guiding you from the ancient past toward the modern day. For the younger audience members, this path leads quickly to early favourites like the Titanoboa – the world’s longest ever snake – which serves as a formidable introduction to the scale on display.
3D Rendered Life and Fragile Bones
The exhibition balances three distinct types of display to bring these monsters to life. First are the artistic, 3D-rendered models. These are scientifically informed but designed for power and impact. Seeing the Titanoboa rendered in full allows you to appreciate its sheer bulk; it is a predator that could have swallowed every child at the opening night and still been hungry. Similarly, seeing the belly of a Megalodon bloom out behind its massive jaws brings the immensity of the shark into a terrifying, physical reality.
Complementing these are the biologically accurate casts and 3D-printed skeletons. These skeletal forms offer a different kind of awe, highlighting the “scarily fragile” nature of the prehistoric world. Finally, interactive and audio-visual displays allow visitors to rest on benches and watch videos of sabre-toothed cats roaming an ancient savannah, providing much-needed context to the physical models.
A Stark Warning for the Future
As you progress through the space and “brave” the sharks, you eventually step into the present day. The exhibition takes a poignant turn here, reminding us that our modern giants – whales, rhinoceroses, and elephants – are currently under threat.
While the creatures of the past feel like something out of a movie, it is hard to imagine a world where they still walk among us. Conversely, it is heartbreakingly easy to imagine a world without our current giants, and the exhibition doesn’t shy away from this tragic possibility. It makes for a relatively short but deeply impactful visit.
Overall
Giants is a fascinating, well-executed exhibition that manages to be both awe-inspiring and sobering. While it might struggle to hold the attention of very young toddlers, older children and adults will be captivated by the scale of the models. It is a journey through time that ends with a necessary reflection on the world we live in today.
Explore More On Edinburgh Reviews
Searching for related content…
Review: Giants
An immersive exploration of the massive creatures that ruled the earth, from the 66-million-year-old Titanoboa to the endangered giants of today.
Summary
Giants at the National Museum of Scotland is a haunting, high-impact walk through time. From the terrifying Titanoboa to modern whales, the scale is jaw-dropping. A poignant, atmospheric experience that balances awe with a vital warning.
Related