Discover
Fascinating stories behind our collection, from the prehistoric to the present.
With over 12 million objects and specimens in our museums and stores, we have a lot of stories to tell. Uncover hidden histories, discover breakthrough research, and dip in to different perspectives with our collection of articles and films.
Featured stories
The story of the Lewis chess pieces
What eleven chess pieces tell us about Scotland and the growing popularity of chess in medieval Europe.
100 years of the Little Black Dress
Explore the evolution and reinvention of the LBD in popular culture in the 20th and 21st centuries, through garments from our collection.
Scotland's ski-maker
Meet Jamie Kunka, a self-taught ski-maker. Fusing tradition and innovation, he founded Lonely Mountain Skis in Birnam, Perthshire.
Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?
- Discover
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most famous yet enigmatic figures in Scottish history. Our collection contains a rich selection of objects associated with Mary. Explore her dramatic story and separate out the facts from the myths that… - Discover
The controversial letters associated with the Mary, Queen of Scots Casket
The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen. - Discover
Mary, Queen of Scots and the silver casket
The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen. Take a closer look at this extremely rare work of early French silver and its associations… - Discover
A brief history of James VI and I
James VI and I was a hugely significant Stewart king. But he has been overshadowed by his notorious relations. His predecessor in Scotland was his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. In England, his cousin, Elizabeth I, and finally his successor… - Discover
True or False: Objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots
The life and death of Mary, Queen of Scots has given rise to countless legends over the years. Many places and objects acquire a new glamour through their association with her - genuine or otherwise. In our collection we have many items… - Discover
Life and deathline of Mary, Queen of Scots
Crowned Queen of Scots at just nine months old; married, crowned Queen Consort of France and widowed all by the time she was 18 years old: Mary Stewart's life was nothing if not eventful. Let's dig into the facts about her tumultuous life…
Exhibition deep dive: Cold War Scotland
How Scotland became a Cold War battleground
Drawing on never-before-seen archives, object collections, footage, and interviews with experts, this film explores Scotland's critical position on the frontline of the Cold War.
Nuclear Scotland during the Cold War
Discover the history and impact of nuclear power in Scotland during this period.
The Cold War and Scottish society
Scotland was the site for cultural and political exchange from both sides of the Cold War across the 20th century. This film delves into the stories of the Cold War and Scottish society.
Ever wonder how minerals are named?
Latest stories
- Discover
Uncovering the meaning behind the beautiful Surasundari stone sculpture
Demi-gods or Yakshinis {यक्षिणी (female of यक्ष)}At the museum we saw beautiful examples of artwork made from sandstone that have been prevalent in India since ancient times (circa 3200 BC). It was a popular building material at that time… - Discover
The god Hanuman: A symbol of bravery and service
Hanuman the monkey GodHanuman (Sanskrit: हनुमान्) is an immensely popular figure in Hindu religion and mythology. He is a Vanara – a monkey, ape, or forest-dweller. Vanaras are shapeshifters and are still considered by some believers to be… - Discover
The symbolic meaning of the Hindu deity Krishna
Lord Krishna - symbol of empathy, understanding, social justice and loveAn exquisitely carved cast bronze figure of the Hindu deity Krishna (Sanskrit: Kṛṣṇa) (Hindi: कृष्ण) captivated the group instantly. Standing on a pedestal with his… - Discover
The Hindu Goddess Durga
Durga, goddess of Shakti - the divine positive feminine energy and focus of festival celebrationsThis very elegant bronze figure of Devi (goddess) Durga is an attractive and prominent figure and a principal deity in Hinduism. In Sanskrit,… - Discover
A poster depicting Yama, the Hindu Lord of Death
Crimes and punishments in Death's PalaceThe 19th century poster of Yama, the Hindu Lord of Death, has a caption in Bengali. The caption means ‘The Sinner’s Punishment or 'In Jompuri’. The latter is in Bengali and means Yamapuri, the… - Discover
Gargantuan and colossal: Sheshnaaga, the serpent God
Worshipping Sheshnaaga the serpent GodSheshnaaga or Sheshna (Sanskrit: शेषनाग) is a serpentine demi-god (naga) and Nagaraja (king of all serpents), as well as a primordial being of creation in Hinduism.
Header image: Nobles Amusements, Portobello beach, 1983. Watch Memories of Nobles Amusements to discover local stories and memories of an Edinburgh landmark.