Friday Friends

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.

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

This rich collection focuses mainly on the Joseon period, Korea's last dynasty which lasted over five centuries. However, earlier periods and contemporary works are also represented in a collection that spans over 2,000 years.

Discover how this enigmatic material is shining a light on ecosystems millions of years old.

The Rainbow Serpent is found in the mythology, religion and ceremonies of many Aboriginal people in Australia. There are many names for the Rainbow Serpent and ideas about it vary.

This exhibition explored the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.

Grammar of Ornament was Owen Jones’ design masterpiece. First published in 1856, the lavish folio highlighted stunning patterns, motifs and ornaments in 112 illustrated plates.

Our very own in-house Whovians have chosen 10 objects from our collections that have links to some of the scientific themes and stories from the iconic television series.

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

In 2014, something very special was found in Galloway, South West Scotland. This short animation is designed to introduce children and families to the Galloway Hoard.

Explore how we use our collections to understand the past, present and future of the climate emergency.

Pioneering Percy Pilcher could have been the first person ever to fly. But why did the glider he designed never take off?

We've created a set of schools resources around the Galloway Hoard, including an animation, a quiz, and more.

The Board of Trustees is National Museums Scotland’s governing body. It is responsible for setting the organisation’s strategic direction and for monitoring progress to achieve this.

Identity and belonging: reflections by Sikh Indians on the Maharaja Duleep Singh collection

This portrait celebrates the victory of the commander of the British government forces, Prince William Augustus, at Culloden.

Thursday 25 June 2020 marks the 65th anniversary of the first flight of the Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer. We mark this occasion with a look back at how commercial aviation has changed.

Get Energised was a science, engineering and technology engagement programme which ran until June 2019.

This beautiful carved stone ball was found in Aberdeenshire. People have long wondered about what it was and how it was used, but it had clearly been a precious possession and a symbol of power.

Our stunning ancient Egypt exhibition The Tomb presented the story of one extraordinary tomb, built around 1290BC and reused for over 1000 years.

Our collections from Asia represent its cultural diversity. More than 50,000 items from across the continent allow an insight into artistic exchange, trade relations, imperial histories and religious beliefs.

This lantern was said to have been carried by Lady Grisell Baillie, Scottish songwriter, on her nightly visits to her Covenanter father during his concealment in 1684.

Explore treasured artefacts passed down through generations, providing a personal insight into the lives of those at home and on the front lines.

A popular and often plain garment for women in the 18th century Highlands

The highest-profile tartan, known around the world: Royal Stewart

Filled with interactives and spaces for reflection, stories and experimentation, our family friendly galleries have something for everyone.

Discover the secrets guarded by this mysterious Egyptian figure, who once acted in the most celebrated drama of Ancient Egypt.

Join our special guest, Dr Sian Henley from the University of Edinburgh to learn how climate change impacts young people around the world and Dr Ali Clark, Senior Curator, Oceania who will share how artists respond to climate change. Find out how to take part in the nationwide art project, Climate Change for Kids: Rising Heat, Raising Hope. Suitable for P5 – S2.

Exciting, hands-on sessions for curious ASN families.

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

Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.

Navajo and Pueblo jewellery from the Southwest United States is denoted by its use of turquoise and silver.

These rare Wedgwood plates were designed by the famous Scottish artist and sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.

This sporran clasp, as worn by Rob Roy in Walter Scott's novel, hides a deadly secret: four concealed pistols.

We want everyone who comes to our museums to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Our collection covers all the major groups of fossil invertebrates, vertebrates, plants and trace fossils.

Find out what to see and do as you plan your visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

A 10th-century hoard found on the Isle of Skye contained 19 dirhams, silver coins from the Islamic emirates of central Asia. These were not exotic curiosities collected by a Viking traveller, but evidence of trade routes connecting Scotland across vast distances at the turn of the first millennium.

Surasundari and the stone-carving tradition in India

Explore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Phase including the First World War, Parasites and Fashion.