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!

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.

T.Rex in Town

18th April - 31st July 2019

Kelvin Hall, Glasgow West End

Step back in time to the Cretaceous period at Kelvin Hall and meet Trix in this once in a lifetime opportunity to come face to face with a T.Rex!
Event information

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire

Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.

Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley

The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire

A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine

A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.

Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community

The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.

Erskine lights up for Christmas

Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!

Johnstone shines bright this festive season

Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley

Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.

Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas

Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Renfrew lights up for Christmas

Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley

Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment

A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas

Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.

Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event

Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas

Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.