The story of this 100-year-old planetarium provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of science interpretation, as well as a behind-the-scenes peek into early 20th century museum politics.

Join us for a more relaxed morning, for those who might appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

Celebrate all things cattle at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Join us for a weekend of all things woolly at the National Museum of Rural Life.

This articulated silver necklace encapsulating a large labradorite disc is one of Dorothy Hogg’s earliest works (1969-70).

Explore the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. 29 Jun - 3 Nov 2024. Tickets on sale now.

This trail is to help you to ‘reset’ and find some moments of mindfulness and wellbeing in the Museum. Listen on your own device as you explore the space.

Our working farm at the National Museum of Rural Life is home to Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, sheep, hens and Clydesdale horses.

This exhibition at the National War Museum explores the little-known story of British conscientious objectors of the Second World War through paintings, poems, letters, music and speeches.

EPISODE 1: Ian Brown ✈️ Assistant Curator of Aviation

EPISODE 4: Donnie McCathie 🤩 Visitor Experience Manager

EPISODE 5: Sophie Goggins 🦠 Senior Curator of Biomedical Science

EPISODE 6: Tiago Metello 🦅 Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Biology

EPISODE 3: Calum Robertson ⚔️ Senior Curator, Modern & Military History

See five highlight objects that summarise the legacy of Rome's invasions of Scotland

Our panel of artists and museum curators discuss the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis, the research and technology being used to tackle it and how art can help communicate this critical message and inspire change.

Possibly the oldest in the world, this pitch drop demonstration is also one of the slowest science experiments ever created

These rare Jacobite and British military colours were carried into battle at Culloden by opposing sides.

1914 brought war to Scotland on what would prove to be an unprecedented scale. Delve into the stories behind those who fought in the First World War here.

Learn how museums and zoos are helping to conserve endangered species through CryoArks – the UK’s national bank of frozen animal material.

This iconic Red Arrows Hawk T.1A was flown by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

Join the battle against five tropical diseases and the parasites that cause them in this interactive exhibition and discover how scientific research taking place in Scotland is leading the way in this field.

Between 1925 and 1935 a fascinating collection of objects and glass lantern slides were donated to the Museum from Sri Lanka.

Our press office handles UK and international media requests for the four national museums and our collection centre.

This thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today.

Calling all inquisitive kids aged 7 -11! Our popular Curiosity Clubs are back for more adventure, discovery and fun.

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.

Three dramatic barkcloth masks offer an insight into the traditional beliefs and celebrations of the Elema people from the Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea, at the turn of the 20th century.

In 1971, over 300 beautiful scent bottles were donated to National Museums Scotland. The scent bottles were collected by Ida Pappenheim. Discover the story behind this charming collection.

Information to plan your self-guided group visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

Explore our newly refurbished air raid and blast shelters with our costumed guide.

An incredible array of Egyptian objects can be found in museums across Scotland, from tiny amulets to massive stone monuments. National Museums Scotland and museums across the country are studying these artefacts together to improve our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and Scotland’s contribution to Egyptology.

NMS Enterprises was established in 2002 to facilitate the commercial activities of National Museums Scotland.

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

After 4,000 years the plough is still with us and its development has been at a slow and steady pace but the basic technology has remained the same. Discover more about this essential tool through ploughs in our collection.

This compound microscope belonged to Charles Peach (1800 - 86), a highly respected naturalist and fossil hunter.

Can you and your family solve puzzles and codes from the Second World War?

Bring the history of the Second World War to live with our summer activity satchels for adults and families.

Join us on the Magic Carpet as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes and sensory play.

Professor Matthew Forster Heddle (1828-1897) was Scotland's most famous mineralogist. At National Museums Scotland, we look after 5,700 specimens from his collection.

Get all the answers you need to make the most of your visit with your family.

This exhibition explored the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.