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

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.

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.

Find out everything you need to know about visiting the National Museum of Rural Life.

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

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

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.

The demon king Ravana and his role in South Asian festivals

Meet a very special Neolithic dog.

Friday Friends

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

In 2014, something very special was found in Galloway, South West Scotland. This short animation is designed to introduce children and families to the Galloway Hoard.

Explore how we use our collections to understand the past, present and future of the climate emergency.

Pioneering Percy Pilcher could have been the first person ever to fly. But why did the glider he designed never take off?

We've created a set of schools resources around the Galloway Hoard, including an animation, a quiz, and more.

Identity and belonging: reflections by Sikh Indians on the Maharaja Duleep Singh collection

Communications, transport, industry, engineering, energy and medicine: how have scientific and technological inventions changed our lives?

We want everyone who comes to our museums to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Charles de Temple was a pioneer in the method of melting and transforming gold into abstract forms.

Hung in Europe’s most noble households, this luxurious tapestry belongs to a Flemish set known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues. It was woven in Brussels during the early 16th century.

Get Energised was a science, engineering and technology engagement programme which ran until June 2019.

This beautiful carved stone ball was found in Aberdeenshire. People have long wondered about what it was and how it was used, but it had clearly been a precious possession and a symbol of power.

Our stunning ancient Egypt exhibition The Tomb presented the story of one extraordinary tomb, built around 1290BC and reused for over 1000 years.

Our collections from Asia represent its cultural diversity. More than 50,000 items from across the continent allow an insight into artistic exchange, trade relations, imperial histories and religious beliefs.

Make unlimited visits for 12 months with your National Museum of Rural Life ticket.

Two detailed funerary papyri tell the stories of the high official Montsuef and his wife Tanuat, whose intact Roman-era family burial was excavated by Alexander Henry Rhind.

The National Museum of Scotland is full of fun for kids of all ages!

Discover the secrets guarded by this mysterious Egyptian figure, who once acted in the most celebrated drama of Ancient Egypt.

Join our special guest, Dr Sian Henley from the University of Edinburgh to learn how climate change impacts young people around the world and Dr Ali Clark, Senior Curator, Oceania who will share how artists respond to climate change. Find out how to take part in the nationwide art project, Climate Change for Kids: Rising Heat, Raising Hope. Suitable for P5 – S2.

Explore stories about LGBTQIA+ history and culture, with reflections from members of the community.

Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.

These rare Wedgwood plates were designed by the famous Scottish artist and sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.

Navajo and Pueblo jewellery from the Southwest United States is denoted by its use of turquoise and silver.

We want everyone who comes to our museums to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Find out what to see and do as you plan your visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

This lantern was said to have been carried by Lady Grisell Baillie, Scottish songwriter, on her nightly visits to her Covenanter father during his concealment in 1684.