Our Global Arts, Cultures and Design collections include internationally important material from across the world.

The discovery of a well-preserved pectoral cross placed near the top of the Galloway Hoard was the first sign this was an extraordinary assemblage.

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.

Be inspired by our staff favourites from our collections on display on Level 1, or try and find them all on your next visit.

Investigate different aspects of life on Earth, through fascinating fossils, tools for turning the soil and pieces of art reflecting the devastating effects of pollution on our planet.

Use one of our ten-minute activities with your class today, with suggestions for how you can extend.

Oracle bones are parts of animal bone, used in divination ceremonies in ancient China. National Museums Scotland’s collection of oracle bones dates from the late Shang dynasty (c.1200–1050 BC) and was found at Yinxu site near Anyang city, in central China.

We aim to share our collections and our expertise as widely as possible. Our research is shared through exhibitions, publications, national and international loans of our objects, and our learning programme.

The Museum’s East and Central Asian collections, comprised of over 36,000 objects, are of national and international importance. The collection includes ceramics, lacquer, prints and paintings, clothing and textiles, ivory, metalwork, jade, furniture, contemporary art, and coins.

Our West, South and Southeast Asian collections contain more than 17,000 objects, giving insight into the lives of past and present people across a vast geographical area.

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.

In 2022, South Asian community groups supported by Networking Key Services (NKS), visited the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to view the galleries and interpret objects from the South Asian and Scottish collections through their eyes. These are their reflections.

Our Learning and Engagement Team work to create programmes, tours and resources to engage communities around Scotland with the national collections. Here you'll find more information about recent projects.

In 1907 the builder William Willett wrote a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight, campaigning for Daylight Saving in the UK. 9 years later, in 1916, this came into effect in UK law and effectively changed how we experience the passing seasons. Read on to find out more about Daylight Saving is and why Willett wanted it implemented...

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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 is collecting history as it happens. Our new film series, Collecting the Present, explores objects we have collected recently that document cultural, political and social change in Scotland.

Changing technology played a vital role in the Second World War. Major advances in communications, weaponry and medicine came about as a direct result of the conflict.

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

This huge amethyst geode formed over 130 million years ago in lava during a period of volcanic activity.

These multi-coloured plastic dolls, western in their appearance, are very popular in Africa today.

The Meissen lion is part of the animal menagerie commissioned by Augustus II the Strong in the early 18th century.

Learn how museums and zoos are helping to conserve endangered species through CryoArks – the UK’s national bank of frozen animal material.

Our Natural Sciences collections cover both life sciences and earth sciences.

Discover how Highland dress was adapted in the Georgian period into the iconic and fashionable symbol of Scotland we know today.

Discover the story of National Museums Scotland, from our 18th century beginnings to the present day.

This magnificent maple cabinet was designed by Edward William Godwin and painted by the renowned artist, James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

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

Celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Burns in a series of films focussing on key objects associated with the bard.

Explore how CryoArks biobanks store samples from animals so that researchers can look at their genetic code.

Help protect remarkable objects and be the first to hear about the stories they hold.

Scottish-born Alexander Dalrymple was a significant figure in Britain’s maritime history.

Discover how the skull of a 40ft whale, which captured the heart of the nation, has become a permanent feature at the National Museum of Scotland.

Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store.

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

Join our curators to explore the fascinating objects that inspired Sir Walter Scott and the celebrated novels in which they feature.

Calling all inquisitive kids aged 7 -11! Our popular Curiosity Clubs are back for more adventure, discovery and fun.

Discover how research and collecting at National Museums Scotland is reshaping understandings of Scotland in the past as we take a closer look at a very special Roman object with surprising Egyptian origins.

Discover how Victorian inventors and entrepreneurs succeeded in capturing the very first images.

Discover more about the Circular Economy through the work of young people across Scotland, led by Ostrero.