In the Hollywood blockbuster Night at the Museum dinosaur bones come to life, together with stuffed monkeys, lions and Egyptian artefacts.
But there are no guarantees the same will happen when two University of Aberdeen museums throw open their doors to the public at night on Saturday May 17.
The University will host the first ever Night at the Museum event as part of a Europe wide initiative to promote museums across the continent. The institute is the only Scottish organisation taking part in the project which will see some 1000 museums invite members of the public to discover what really goes on after hours in these fascinating buildings.
Taking inspiration from the popular movie featuring Ben Stiller, an array of spooky, intriguing and captivating activities will take place at the University's Marischal and Zoology Museums.
A life size dinosaur, the ghost of an acclaimed anatomy professor and an Eygptian mummy are just some of the enthralling characters visitors will have the opportunity to meet, in an evening which is set to provide a sneaky peek into what occurs behind the closed doors of these two intriguing venues at night.
From torch-lit trail treasure hunts, creepy crawlies and glowstick lantern making, to star gazing and behind the scenes tours, a host of interactive festivities and events will be available for all the family.
Dr Andy Schofield, Academic Co-ordinator Promoting Science at the University of Aberdeen says of the event: "The University of Aberdeen is delighted to be able to throw open the doors of these two fascinating venues and invite members of the public to come and enjoy an evening of ghostly goings on and spooky surprises.
"The only organisation north of the border to be taking part in this Europe wide initiative, the occasion provides the ideal opportunity to showcase the wealth of intriguing exhibitions and activities which both the Marischal and Zoology Museums offer to visitors."
The University has also launched a photo competition, entitled 'Deen in the Dark, to coincide with the event. From night cityscapes to nocturnal creatures, entrants are being asked to capture images of the granite city after dark. Open to any amateur photographer, the competition offers an array of prizes in three age group categories: under 12's, 12-18 and over 18. All entries will be displayed at the Night at the Museum event, where the winning images will be announced. Deadline for entry to the photo competition is Friday 9th May.
Dr Schofield continues: "The inaugural 'Deen in the Dark is just one element of what promises to be a truly captivating evening of events across the two museums. The range of festivities on offer make the occasion ideal for all ages, and we hope a host of visitors will take the opportunity to join us for this unique event."
The University of Aberdeen Night at the Museum event takes place on Saturday 17th May at the Zoology Museum, King's College and Marischal Museum, Broad Street, Aberdeen. For full details visit www.abdn.ac.uk/nightatthemuseum.
The event at the Zoology Museum will take place from 7pm until midnight, beginning with a screening of the Night at the Museum film at 7.30pm. Free parking is available on-site.
Marischal Museum will be open from 7pm until 10pm.
Admission to both events is free. Booking is required for some of the guided tour events at Marischal Museum - contact 01224 274301 or email href="mailto:museums@abdn.ac.uk">museums@abdn.ac.uk</a>.</p>
For further information on the Night at the Museum event contact Sarah Redmond on 01224 274309, email href="mailto:s.redmond@abdn.ac.uk">s.redmond@abdn.ac.uk</a> or the Natural History Centre on 01224 274545 or email href="mailto:nat.hist@abdn.ac.uk">nat.hist@abdn.ac.uk</a>.</p>
Entries for the 'Deen in the Dark photo competition should be delivered by person or post to Marischal Museum, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1YS. For further details visit www.abdn.ac.uk/nightatthemuseum.