National Museum of Scotland

What's on

List of Exhibitions

  1. A Buddha sculpture holding an alms bowl.
    Exhibition

    Theravāda Buddhism

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    This thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today.The Theravāda tradition is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism. As one of the two…
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  2. 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

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    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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  3. 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

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

    National Museum of Scotland

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

    Monkeys: Our Primate Family

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    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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List of Events

  1. Woman and baby in arms sitting on the floor on a checked carpet.
    Event

    Magic Carpet Minis

    Wed 5 Feb - Wed 19 Mar, 10:30 – 11:15 or 14:00 – 14:45
    Join us on the Magic Carpet as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, objects and sensory play.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  2. A hand is stamping a pledge, written on a brown piece of paper.
    Event

    Half Term: Collective Climate Action

    Sat 8 Feb - Sat 15 Feb, 10:30 - 15:30
    Join us at half-term to take part in our pop up Planetopia with activities to inspire your own climate action.
    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

    Fri 17 Jan - Fri 18 April, 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

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  4. Woman and baby in arms sitting on the floor on a checked carpet.
    Event

    Relaxed Magic Carpet

    24 Feb - 24 Mar 2025, two time slots: 10:30 - 11:15, 14:00 - 14:45
    Join us for a relaxed Magic Carpet session as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, and sensory play.  

    National Museum of Scotland

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  5. A person is peering into a glass case, which features a single stone sculpture on top of a white square plinth.
    Event

    Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope

    Various dates, 9:15 - 10:00
    Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Injecting Hope exhibition.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  6. A group of toddlers and carers are sat playing on a colourful blanket
    Event

    Magic Carpet Gaelic Week Special

    Wed 26 Feb
    Join us at the National Museum of Scotland for a special Gaelic Magic Carpet.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  7. A colourful link necklace, made of circular felt links in dfferent colours including yellow, blue and green.
    Event

    Creative Workshop: Sustainable Statement Jewellery

    Sat 1 Mar 2025, 10:30 - 16:00
    Join sustainable jewellery designer Syrah Jay to design and create your own statement necklace.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  8. A visitor in the Injecting Hope exhibition at an interactive display, holding an earpiece to his ear
    Event

    Relaxed Access Evening: Injecting Hope

    Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Injecting Hope.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  9. 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.
    Event

    Banners, Ballads and Badges

    Sat 8 March, 13:00-15:30
    Join an afternoon of talks and crafts as we discuss the vibrant anti-nuclear protests between the 1970s and 1990s and consider the unique role women played in Scotland’s peace movement.   The impact of the Cold War still lingers in…
    Just announced

    National Museum of Scotland

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