Celebrating Dolly the sheep at 30

Dolly the Sheep, preserved for ever in a glass case in the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is one of the most important Scottish exhibits, and a display of the country’s cutting edge researchers.

The sheep was the first cloned mammal ever created from an adult cell, and was born on 5 July 1996 at the Roslin Institute near Edinburgh. The animal was named after Dolly Parton, and after living her whole life in the Roslin Institute, where she gave birth to six healthy lambs, she died aged six when affected by arthritis.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the birth visitors to the Museum on Monday and Friday this week will be invited to help celebrate. Everyone will be invited to write in the sheep’s big birthday card, or eat a Dolly-themed cupcake.

The birth of the first cloned mammal opened up new possibilities in medicine and biology.

Professor Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrate Biology at National Museums Scotland said: “Thirty years on, Dolly remains an icon of modern science whose story captures the public’s imagination. Dolly has been on display at the National Museum of Scotland for over 20 years and remains one of our most popular exhibits. We look forward to welcoming visitors in July to help us celebrate this milestone birthday for Dolly.”

Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep
16 July 2026

18.30 – 20.00: Panel discussion in the Auditorium,
20:00 – 20.30: Pop-up display of newly acquired objects related to Dolly the sheep

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street
This event is free, but booking is required.
This event is for ages 16+.

Tickets can be booked online at Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep | National Museums Scotland  

This event is supported by the History of Science Society’s Elizabeth Paris Endowment.