East Fortune Airfield is the UK's best-preserved Second World War airfield. Discover its history from its beginnings in the First World War to its transformation to a national museum.

Explore museum highlights and discover new objects, themes and stories

Discover a wonderful collection of design which was amassed during second half of the 20th century by collectors with an inspiring passion for Modernism.

Our beautiful Clydesdale horses are one of the star attractions at the National Museum of Rural Life

Explore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Phase including the First World War, Parasites and Fashion.

Explore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Early, First and Second Levels including: - Mandarin - Writing a story - Maths and numeracy

Discover the facts about a large ocean sunfish that stranded off Scotland’s coast in 2020 and hear what we can learn from studying this strange fish.

A variety of objects relating to the life of Scotland's bard can be found in National Museums Scotland's collections.

What is it like to hold your own brain? John Scott, a Lothian Birth Cohort participant, was lucky enough to find out

These medieval chess pieces from the Scottish island of Lewis are among our most popular collections. They give us fascinating insights into the international connections of western Scotland and the growing popularity of chess in medieval Europe.

This unique water basin, shaped like a citadel, was made by Moroccan potters, probably as a diplomatic gift, in the 19th century.

It's over 40 years since Scotland's Concorde took to the skies in the first BA Concorde fleet commercial passenger flight. Don't miss the chance to get up close to G-BOAA.

Learn how to say colours in Mandarin, explore the museum collections, in person or virtually, and create your own Chinese object card.

During the lockdown due to COVID-19, school children were asked how we could build towards a more Circular Economy, inspired by the Making Circles project.

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle.

Your journey of discovery starts here...

Discover what this historic tool can tell us about the story of machinery and industry in Scotland.

Discover the classic Ruston steam excavator, and find out how our conservation team restored it to its former glory.

Memories of mirrorwork from the craftspeople of Sindh, Pakistan

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

Museums are great places to uncover stories. Build your own story, inspired by our amazing objects.

Make a beetle or butterfly out of recycled materials. You can be even more environmentally (and insect) friendly by not using glue, so your bug can be taken apart and reused or recycled again.You could even turn your litter bug into a bug hotel!

Thursday 25 June 2020 marks the 65th anniversary of the first flight of the Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer. We mark this occasion with a look back at how commercial aviation has changed.

The Wester Kittochside Farm at National Museum of Rural Life was owned and run by the Reid family for more than 400 years. Find out how the tenth laird and his family celebrated Christmas and New Year on the farm.

From intricate firelighting tools to rocket-powered aircraft and a fire alarm with a difference, our collections feature intriguing links to the element fire.

The demon king Ravana and his role in South Asian festivals

During and directly after the Second World War, the Reid family at Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride employed both Italian and German prisoners of war.

This iconic Red Arrows Hawk T.1A was flown by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

Explore our newly refurbished air raid and blast shelters with our costumed guide.

Archaeological finds from Rome's invasions of Scotland can be found throughout the country, from the Solway Firth to Moray. Three of the most prominent sites are Trimontium, Traprain Law, and the Antonine Wall.

National Museums Scotland has been awarded a grant by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) with the National Maritime Museum, London to enable organisations around the UK to work with community groups to explore experiences of empire, migration, and life in Britain through their collections.

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

The design of this elegant modernist dining suite was once admired by the Queen Mother. Now extremely rare, it makes a significant new addition to the national collection.

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.

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.

2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic flight from Britain to the United States. On 2 July 1919 Airship R.34 departed from East Fortune Airfield, landing on Long Island, New York 108 hours later.

Preparing for the Art of Glass exhibition at National Museum of Scotland.

Lulu came from the only killer whale pod in the UK and was found dead on Tiree in 2016. She had the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls ever recorded from a marine mammal.

Novelist, poet, playwright and historian, Scott was one of the most celebrated writers of his time and his works brought Scotland’s evocative landscapes to public attention across Britain and Europe. Discover his story through objects in the National Collection.

In 1975, a Bronze Age burial was found in Inverness-shire. Interpreted as an archer, this man and his objects reveal fascinating stories about connections across Britain and Ireland.

An expensive, informal housecoat worn by gentlemen at leisure

Enjoy a range of freshly prepared food and drink in our two cafés at the museum.

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

The Wester Kittochside Farm at National Museum of Rural Life was owned and run by the Reid family for more than 400 years.

Paisley pattern - or our humble Buta - the most celebrated motif of Indian weavers