Maori craftsmanship and museum conservation bring to life one of our most unusual and intriguing objects.

From the age of dinosaurs to the technology of the future, our galleries contain treasures from around the world.

Explore museum highlights and discover new objects, themes and stories

In a fashion career spanning more than 40 years, Jean Muir acquired a reputation for restrained, elegant design and a devoted following. Explore signature styles from the Jean Muir archive and discover what made her designs so innovative and enduring.

The panel was given to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1865 by Sir James Young Simpson.

This acquisition by contemporary Japanese artist, Taguchi Fumiki, has been laboriously carved to sparkle like diamonds.

Enjoy a 30 minute wander around the museum and discover mindful moments throughout our galleries.

The European Decorative Arts section encompasses gold and silver, sculpture, ceramics, glass, enamels, arms and armour, dress, tapestries, textiles and furniture made between 1200 and 1850.

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

In 2013, National Museums Scotland acquired one metal sculpture and one work on paper by contemporary Australian artist Danie Mellor.

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

NMS Enterprises was established in 2002 to facilitate the commercial activities of National Museums Scotland.

National Museums Scotland has launched a consultation on its draft Gaelic Language Plan.

Syringes are important medical tools and have been around for thousands of years. With the ongoing vaccination effort against COVID-19, you or a loved one may well have encountered one quite recently.

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

This exhibition explored the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.

An incredible array of Egyptian objects can be found in museums across Scotland, from tiny amulets to massive stone monuments. National Museums Scotland and museums across the country are studying these artefacts together to improve our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and Scotland’s contribution to Egyptology.

Our Museum Socials series of events are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters.

We work across Scotland to share the national collections, engage with local communities, and provide support for our sector.

Discover unexplored stories in our LGBTQIA+ Hidden Histories audio trail.

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

Join artist Kayleigh McCallum and mindfulness practitioner Charlene Duncan for mindful sketching in our galleries.

Celebrate Insect Week 2024 with family friendly activities at the National Museum of Scotland.

Join us for this exclusive Member event which will explore the many uses of maps and the stories behind them during the Second World War.

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

Discover amazing science from inside your own home as we explore the elemental themes of the Edinburgh Science Festival 2020.

In this video, artist Sophie Orton shows how to make your own dragon sock puppet from things you have at home. This video was created by artists Katie and Sophie Orton.

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

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

A Stirling engine is powered by hot air rather than steam. Now 200 years old, its revolutionary technology has become even more relevant today.

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

This articulated silver necklace encapsulating a large labradorite disc is one of Dorothy Hogg’s earliest works (1969-70).

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.

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.

Friday Friends

Our panel of artists and museum curators discuss the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis, the research and technology being used to tackle it and how art can help communicate this critical message and inspire change.

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.

Sir James Black was one of the greatest Scottish scientists of the modern era. His work in medicine and pharmacology has improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

This Nimrod XV241 served with the RAF from the early 1970s until March 2010.

Discover how this stunning, detailed wall hanging was brought back to life by our Textile Conservation team.

Discover more about the Circular Economy through the Making Circles schools project, led by Ostrero.

From ancient ceramics to imperial jade, oracle bones to contemporary propaganda posters, our Chinese collection spans over four thousand years and includes around 11,000 items.

This dramatic ensemble by British designer Craig Green heads up the catwalk in our Fashion and Style gallery.