"Walking with Dinosaurs", the most successful exhibition in the history of the Hunterian Museum, has now closed, after 13 astonishing weeks. Over the duration of the exhibition the University and the Hunterian Museum welcomed 76,603 visitors, approximately 40% above Museum visitor numbers for the whole of last year.

Ewen Smith, Acting Director of the Hunteriam Museum & Art Gallery, said: "These are encouraging figures in themselves, but most of all I've been greatly heartened by the number of people visiting the Hunterian for the first time, and by the number who have made their way into the Main Gallery, before or after their visit to the Kelvin Gallery. There are also some signs that the increased visitor numbers to the Museum have impacted upon Art Gallery visitor numbers. This is just the justification we needed for the funding support gained from Heritage Lottery Fund and the ERDF for the capital costs associated with refurbishing the Kelvin Gallery.

"Without doubt, the success of the exhibition reflects the very considerable effort put into it by the staff of the Hunterian and many others around the University."

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First published: 30 April 2001