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.

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

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.

How can you travel around the world without leaving Scotland? By visiting our World Cultures galleries.

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

Learn more about what’s changed to help you plan your visit.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

This splendid sword was a gift to celebrate a historic military victory over the ‘Tiger of Mysore’.

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

The island-hopping Britten-Norman Islander is one of the most versatile aircraft ever built.

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.

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.

Come and see the 90ft long inflatable sculpture with your own eyes!

From delicately-carved porcelain to bold statement jewellery, discover how contemporary Japanese artists are challenging preconceptions and using traditional Japanese materials and techniques in new and innovative ways.

On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him.

Discover unexplored stories in our LGBTQIA+ Hidden Histories audio trail.

Families can pick up our new trail to explore the galleries through the wonder of maths.

Be inspired by our staff favourites from our collections on display on Level 1, or try and find them all on your next visit.

Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store.

This Nimrod XV241 served with the RAF from the early 1970s until March 2010.

The National Museum of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town offers the most stunning setting for memorable events.

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

In 1907 the builder William Willett wrote a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight, campaigning for Daylight Saving in the UK. 9 years later, in 1916, this came into effect in UK law and effectively changed how we experience the passing seasons. Read on to find out more about Daylight Saving is and why Willett wanted it implemented...

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

Built in a dedicated model-making workshop during the late 1870s, this working model is a scale version of the famed Corliss steam engine.

Sue Jane Taylor has spent over thirty years recording the lives of workers in the North Sea oil and gas industry. These pages are a selection of Sue Jane Taylor's work that were on display in the Age of Oil exhibition (21 Jul - 5 Nov 2017), at the National Museum of Scotland.

Our mission is to preserve, interpret and make accessible for all, the past and present of Scotland, other nations and cultures, and the natural world.

This Boulton & Watt engine was the first full-sized engine acquired for the collections and is one of the oldest surviving beam engines in the world.

Inspired by the wildlife often spotted around the museum site and the animal residents at our farm, willow artist Anna Cross has created a beautiful collection of willow sculptures for you to discover as you explore outdoors.