Ancient myth and superstitions cast these objects as magical Toadstones, but modern science tells us they are actually fossilised fish teeth that are over 200 to 100 million years old.

In it's 53rd year, this world-renowned touring exhibition showcased the very best in nature photography.

Join us as we host two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events.

A slice of history preserved thanks to Scottish naturalist and conservationist John Muir.

Professional cycling is a serious business. So how did a homemade bicycle come to break the World Hour Record in 1993?

In this talk, David Olusoga, one of the three presenters of the BBC's Civilisations series, asks ‘can TV still do that magical thing of bringing people to a place where they believe history and art is for them?’

In 1908, an intact burial of a woman and a child was discovered by a team of Egyptian excavators and British archaeologist W.M. Flinders Petrie in Qurna, Thebes, Egypt.

The South Asian Stories project aimed to explore museum objects through the eyes of the local communities of Bengali, Indian and Pakistani cultural heritage.

Sow the seeds of curiosity with a family visit to our museum and historic working farm.

The Messerschmitt Komet was the fastest aircraft of the Second World War, and the only rocket-powered fighter plane ever to be used in combat.

Wylam Dilly, one of the world’s two oldest surviving locomotives, celebrated her bicentenary in 2013. Built in 1813, she used to pull coal along the Wylam Wagonway to the river, near Newcastle upon Tyne.

The National War Museum is located within Edinburgh Castle. Find out how to get the most from your visit here.

Discover a range of paintings, drawings and pastels from the First and Second World Wars from our military collection.

Lynx stones were considered by the Ancient Greeks to be the urine of the European lynx which solidified into precious stone. When burned, these fossils emit a smell similar to cat's urine, explaining their connection to the lynx myth.

This strange-looking device was the first model of telephone to go on sale. But can its creator, Alexander Graham Bell, truly lay claim to the title ‘inventor of the telephone’?

This handloom was used for weaving silk at Stonehouse in Lanarkshire in the 19th century. It has a Jacquard attachment which allows complex patterns to be woven.

This block is one of the few surviving casing stones from the Great Pyramid of Giza, built for King Khufu. It is the only pyramid casing stone on display outside Egypt.

This Calcite crystal is an excellent example of a complex doubly terminated scalenohedral crystal.

The Spitfire is the most famous of all British combat aircraft, and played a vital role in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

This training resource focuses on the basics of caring for museum collections. It offers practical advice, shared good practice through case studies and demonstrations, and provides resources and links for further learning.

Throughout the year, we run a programme of access events and tours, including BSL tours, Audio-Described tours and Relaxed views and sessions, across the museum and in our Special Exhibitions

Scotland Creates volunteer Bethany Lane introduces this distinctive Harris Tweed suit created by iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

This unique decorated Iron Age cap would have adorned a highly prized pony.

Explore how these remarkable machines have influenced both society and technology, and why they are still popular today.

Discover the story and view the beautiful objects of an extraordinary ancient Egyptian tomb.

Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

This detailed model of Stephenson’s groundbreaking steam locomotive represents a major step forward in the history of transport.

This embossed object is one of thousands of shallow brass basins, bowls and trays from Europe which were traded extensively along the west coast of Africa.

This striking tile was made in Tehran, by the Iranian master potter Ali Muhammed Isfahani.

Explore museum highlights and discover new objects, themes and stories

This splendid sword was a gift to celebrate a historic military victory over the ‘Tiger of Mysore’.

Zarir brand was established in 2002 by Rana Modabber and Ghazal Torki Sharifabadi.

The Galloway Hoard is the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever found in Britain or Ireland.

On 30 October 1942, at the height of the Second World War, two sailors gave their lives in the service of their country. Discover their story here.

We now know that ammonites are extinct marine molluscs that lived between 240 and 66 million years ago. Yet, folklore tells a different story...

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.

Our African, Americas and Oceanic collections of over 25,000 objects represent historic and contemporary textiles, musical instruments, pottery, weapons, jewellery, basketry and contemporary art.

Friday Friends

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.

This beautiful piece was commissioned from Scottish silversmith Hamish Dobbie by the P&O Makower Trust for the Making and Creating gallery.

This rich collection focuses mainly on the Joseon period, Korea's last dynasty which lasted over five centuries. However, earlier periods and contemporary works are also represented in a collection that spans over 2,000 years.

Discover how this enigmatic material is shining a light on ecosystems millions of years old.

The Rainbow Serpent is found in the mythology, religion and ceremonies of many Aboriginal people in Australia. There are many names for the Rainbow Serpent and ideas about it vary.

This exhibition explored the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.

Grammar of Ornament was Owen Jones’ design masterpiece. First published in 1856, the lavish folio highlighted stunning patterns, motifs and ornaments in 112 illustrated plates.

Our very own in-house Whovians have chosen 10 objects from our collections that have links to some of the scientific themes and stories from the iconic television series.