We trace the story of the Australian mammals in the Natural World galleries at the National Museum of Scotland and meet the rare numbat.

This Enigma machine is of the type used by the German Navy on submarines to encode messages during World War II. Discover the secrets of this famous code maker here.

From the early 20th century, the tractor helped to transformed farm life in Scotland. There are several examples on display in the collection at the National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride.

Discover how objects in the museum’s collections can help us explore Scotland’s involvement in the Atlantic slave trade and the abolitionist movement.

Meet Ching Ching the panda, one of the world’s most endangered species in Survival at National Museum of Scotland.

We’ve teamed up with upcyling experts Ostrero and artist Bryony Knox to create three paper-cut designs inspired by Scottish animals. Choose from a stately stag, a magical unicorn or a red squirrel! The designs are inspired by paper-cut art from Mexico . Look out for some examples in our Patterns of Life gallery.

This bold and engaging sculpture is a mixed media piece made from recycled found objects.

This toolkit was created in partnership with museums across Scotland to explore ways to measure and articulate the social impact of engagement with autistic children, their families and young people.

Visitors to the Scotland Transformed gallery at National Museum of Scotland cannot miss the mighty Newcomen engine.

Join Galloway Hoard researcher Dr Adrián Maldonado as he reacts to depictions of the Viking Age in movies, TV and video games.

We’ve teamed up with upcycling experts Ostrero and artist Bryony Knox to create a design for a cool owl badge – made form a fizzy drinks can! Try it out today.

Purchase an e-gift voucher, which can be used for tickets to paid exhibitions and events at the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Flight and National Museum of Rural Life. Our e-gift vouchers can also be used to buy National Museums Scotland Membership to allow free, unlimited entry to all our museums and exhibitions.

Bring the Curriculum for Excellence to life with the help of the national collections.

Florence Mellor worked as a volunteer nurse treating wounded troops.

Delve into the diverse collection of pioneering ethnomusicologist Jean Jenkins.

These four unique instruments were specially created for Performance and Lives gallery at the National Museum of Scotland by internationally renowned composer and artist Victor Gama.

The Lewis chess pieces live in the National Museum of Scotland. Colour them in or cut out and make your own chess piece here.

This 14th-century great helm belonged to one of King Edward III's knights, Sir Richard Pembridge, who fought in the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

Meet Cybraphon, the moody autonomous robot band in a box created by Edinburgh-based artist collective FOUND.

Marvel up close at the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots.

A general self-led visit to the National Museum of Scotland is free to book and allows you to explore a wide range of topics.

This picture shows a turning point during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The Thin Red Line is one of the best known of all Scottish historical paintings and is the classic representation of Highland military heroism as an icon of Scotland.

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

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

Download our family trail to help you plan a structured visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

The Cockcroft-Walton generator was developed at the University of Cambridge in the early 1930s to accomplish the first artificial splitting of the atom.

Head outdoors and see how many brilliant birds you can spot with the help of some bright binoculars! Learn how to make them here!

National Museums Scotland launched its first national strategy in 2006 and since then our work across the country has gone from strength to strength.

This exhibition explored the stories of the Scottish diaspora and the war experiences of Commonwealth nations during the First World War.

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

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.

John Dickson was a Paisley weaver who joined the army in 1807 and rode in the famous charge of the Union Brigade at Waterloo.

This contemporary piece by sculptor Michael Eden celebrates the architectural styles of the National Museum of Scotland.

Discover how this traditional Scottish instrument was commissioned for the Performance and Lives gallery in the National Museum of Scotland.

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.

This display highlights a small selection from our Scottish History & Archaeology collections, showing how research and collecting at National Museums Scotland is reshaping understandings of Scotland in the past, and reflecting the Scotland of today for future generations of museum visitors.

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.

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

Robert I, also known as Robert Bruce, was king of Scots from 1306 to 1329. Follow his journey from coronation to grave through objects associated with this famous warrior.

Find out more about the only giant ibis skeleton owned by any museum in the world.

Make your own bird spotting Blue Tit buddy with these instructions!

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland showcasing artworks created in response to the climate crisis in Australia and the Pacific Islands.