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

    Find out more
  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. 

    Find out more

List of Events

  1. 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

    Find out more
  2. 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.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  3. Two people sitting at a table listening to a member of museum staff talk about a sword from the collections.
    Event

    Museum Socials

    Third Friday of the month, 10:30 – 12:00
    Our Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  4. Event

    Injecting Hope: Deaf Experiences of Lockdown

    Wed 23 Apr, 17:30 - 19:00
    Join us for a film screening and discussion exploring the Scottish Deaf community’s experiences of lockdown.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  5. A portrait of two young men turned to one another sideways. The man on the left is wearing a white ruffle wig an a blue jacked with buttons. The man on the right is wearing a white ruffled wig and a red jacket with buttons, a blue ribbon draped over left shoulder and a six point star medal pinned to the coat.
    Event

    Centre for Open Learning: Georgian Scotland

    24 Apr – 26 Jun 2025, Thursdays 11:00 – 13:00
    This course explores Scotland’s great changes and developments between 1714 – 1815.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  6. A selection of plates printed with brightly coloured and metallic gold geometric patterns.
    Event

    Centre for Open Learning: Understanding Colour

    24 Apr – 26 Jun 2025, Thursdays 11:00 – 13:00
    This course offers an introduction to the uses of colour using the National Museum of Scotland’s collections.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  7. 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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  8. 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

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  9. 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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