National Museum of Scotland

What's on

List of Exhibitions

  1. A black and white photo of a group of people standing in a city square holding balloons. There is a child's pram covered in protest signs and buttons.
    Exhibition

    Cold War Scotland

    –
    Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, this exhibition tells the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  2. A person is looking at a framed picture. The picture looks like a square block of pink from a distance, but on closer inspection it's a stream of code for a virus.
    Exhibition

    Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine

    –
    Injecting Hope is a free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  3. The taxidermy specimen of a grey legged douroucouli, looking directly at the camera against a grey background.
    Exhibition

    Monkeys: Our Primate Family

    –
    Monkeys: Our Primate Family is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions on primates ever staged, featuring over 50 rare primate specimens.
    Coming soon

    National Museum of Scotland

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  4. Two women looking at geological samples in a museum display case.
    Membership

    Become a Member

    Enjoy a range of benefits, including free entry, unlimited access to our special exhibitions, and event discounts. 

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List of Events

  1. An adult helping a child with a science experiment
    Event

    Find Out Fridays

    10 Jan – 27 Jun 2025, every Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00
    Taking a different theme and activity each week, our Engagement team will share some of the fascinating facts and surprising stories behind our collections.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  2. A group of children stand around a person sitting in a wheelchair playing a banjo
    Event

    Friday Friends

    Various dates, 14:00 - 16:00
    Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. Child looks towards the right through a brass telescope.
    Event

    Curiosity Club

    Sat 14 Sep – Sat 29 Mar 2025, 10:30 - 12:00
    Our popular Curiosity Club sessions return this season, for inquisitive kids aged 7–11.
    Updated

    National Museum of Scotland

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  4. A child and adult looking at a geological specimen.
    Event

    Relaxed Curiosity Club

    Sat 14 Sep – Sat 29 Mar, 14:30 - 15:30
    Unleash your inner museum detective and explore our collections through games, activities and an optional gallery visit.
    Updated

    National Museum of Scotland

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  5. Black and white photo of a large group of young people walking and holding homemade signs with peaceful slogans.
    Event

    Morning Curator tour: Cold War Scotland

    Wed 2 Apr 09:15 - 10:00
    Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Cold War Scotland exhibition.
    Cancelled

    National Museum of Scotland

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  6. A busy museum gallery filled with people looking at boards and displays for the Edinburgh Science Festival
    Event

    Edinburgh Science Festival 2025

    Daily from 5 Apr - 20 Apr, 10:00 - 17:00
    Join us as we host two weeks of science-fuelled exploration, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events. 

    National Museum of Scotland

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  7. A young child is sitting next to an Adult, and both are playing with crafted materials and looking happy.
    Event

    Mission Planet Earth

    Sat 5 Apr - Sun 20 Apr, 10:30 - 16:00
    Scientists, astronauts, wayfarers, and wanderers – Planet Earth needs you! Return to Earth and discover what you can do to solve the problems of the future.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  8. A man and a boy sit on a bench in the grand gallery looking at a large dinosaur picture book. The boy is wearing ear protectors.
    Event

    Relaxed Morning

    2 Feb - 6 Jul 2025, 10:00 - 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
    Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  9. A person tracing a child's hand on a piece of paper.
    Event

    Sensory Sunday

    Sun 2 Feb - Sun 6 Apr 2024, 11:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 15:00
    Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more