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Our Global Arts, Cultures and Design collections include internationally important material from across the world.
ViewThe discovery of a well-preserved pectoral cross placed near the top of the Galloway Hoard was the first sign this was an extraordinary assemblage.
ViewOur African, Americas and Oceanic collections of over 25,000 objects represent historic and contemporary textiles, musical instruments, pottery, weapons, jewellery, basketry and contemporary art.
ViewBe inspired by our staff favourites from our collections on display on Level 1, or try and find them all on your next visit.
ViewInvestigate different aspects of life on Earth, through fascinating fossils, tools for turning the soil and pieces of art reflecting the devastating effects of pollution on our planet.
ViewUse one of our ten-minute activities with your class today, with suggestions for how you can extend.
ViewOracle bones are parts of animal bone, used in divination ceremonies in ancient China. National Museums Scotland’s collection of oracle bones dates from the late Shang dynasty (c.1200–1050 BC) and was found at Yinxu site near Anyang city, in central China.
ViewWe aim to share our collections and our expertise as widely as possible. Our research is shared through exhibitions, publications, national and international loans of our objects, and our learning programme.
ViewThe Museum’s East and Central Asian collections, comprised of over 36,000 objects, are of national and international importance. The collection includes ceramics, lacquer, prints and paintings, clothing and textiles, ivory, metalwork, jade, furniture, contemporary art, and coins.
ViewOur West, South and Southeast Asian collections contain more than 17,000 objects, giving insight into the lives of past and present people across a vast geographical area.
ViewOur 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.
ViewIn 2022, South Asian community groups supported by Networking Key Services (NKS), visited the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to view the galleries and interpret objects from the South Asian and Scottish collections through their eyes. These are their reflections.
ViewOur Learning and Engagement Team work to create programmes, tours and resources to engage communities around Scotland with the national collections. Here you'll find more information about recent projects.
ViewIn 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...
ViewArchaeological finds from Rome's invasions of Scotland can be found throughout the country, from the Solway Firth to Moray. Three of the most prominent sites are Trimontium, Traprain Law, and the Antonine Wall.
ViewNational Museums Scotland is collecting history as it happens. Our new film series, Collecting the Present, explores objects we have collected recently that document cultural, political and social change in Scotland.
ViewChanging technology played a vital role in the Second World War. Major advances in communications, weaponry and medicine came about as a direct result of the conflict.
ViewDiscover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle.
ViewThis huge amethyst geode formed over 130 million years ago in lava during a period of volcanic activity.
ViewThese multi-coloured plastic dolls, western in their appearance, are very popular in Africa today.
ViewThe Meissen lion is part of the animal menagerie commissioned by Augustus II the Strong in the early 18th century.
ViewLearn how museums and zoos are helping to conserve endangered species through CryoArks – the UK’s national bank of frozen animal material.
ViewOur Natural Sciences collections cover both life sciences and earth sciences.
ViewDiscover how Highland dress was adapted in the Georgian period into the iconic and fashionable symbol of Scotland we know today.
ViewThis magnificent maple cabinet was designed by Edward William Godwin and painted by the renowned artist, James Abbott McNeill Whistler.
ViewMuseums are great places to uncover stories. Build your own story, inspired by our amazing objects.
ViewCelebrate the life and legacy of Robert Burns in a series of films focussing on key objects associated with the bard.
ViewExplore how CryoArks biobanks store samples from animals so that researchers can look at their genetic code.
ViewHelp protect remarkable objects and be the first to hear about the stories they hold.
ViewScottish-born Alexander Dalrymple was a significant figure in Britain’s maritime history.
ViewDiscover how the skull of a 40ft whale, which captured the heart of the nation, has become a permanent feature at the National Museum of Scotland.
ViewFind out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store.
ViewExplore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Phase including the First World War, Parasites and Fashion.
ViewExplore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Early, First and Second Levels including: - Mandarin - Writing a story - Maths and numeracy
ViewJoin our curators to explore the fascinating objects that inspired Sir Walter Scott and the celebrated novels in which they feature.
ViewCalling all inquisitive kids aged 7 -11! Our popular Curiosity Clubs are back for more adventure, discovery and fun.
ViewDiscover how research and collecting at National Museums Scotland is reshaping understandings of Scotland in the past as we take a closer look at a very special Roman object with surprising Egyptian origins.
ViewDiscover how Victorian inventors and entrepreneurs succeeded in capturing the very first images.
ViewDiscover more about the Circular Economy through the work of young people across Scotland, led by Ostrero.
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