Our collections
Our wealth of treasures represent more than two centuries of
collecting. Collections take in everything from Scottish and
classical archaeology to decorative and applied arts; from world
cultures and social history to science, technology and the natural
world.
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Our museums
Our collection is displayed across four museum sites in
Scotland: the National Museum of Scotland and National War Museum,
in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Flight, in East Lothian and
the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
As well as our museums, our National Museums Collection Centre,
based in Granton, Edinburgh, is home to millions of items not
currently on display. It also houses state-of-the-art facilities
for conservation, taxidermy and academic research.
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Research and expertise
Our collections are a legacy which we look after on behalf of
all Scots. Our challenge is to translate the significance of the
millions of objects in our care to a wide audience. How we
interpret our collections can increase public understanding of
human history and the natural environment. Our research framework
provides clear focus for unearthing these stories and often
involves collaboration at local, national and international
levels.
We also provide advice, expertise and support to museums across
Scotland, to help them enhance their own collections and
displays.
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Exhibitions and events
A packed programme of exhibitions and events at our museums draw
in more than one million visitors each year. From the aerial
excitement of the Airshow to the festive fun of the Fair and Foal
show, science experiments and historical re-enactments to tea
parties and haunted house tours, craft workshops to concerts and
ceilidhs, there’s always something going on across our museum
sites.
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Education and learning
We continually strive to find new ways to inform, educate and
entertain. Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors of all ages
take part in our varied programme of learning activities.
School children from across Scotland have experienced days of
discovery at National Museums Scotland, with more than 50,000
school visits enjoyed every year at each of our sites.
Our outreach programme widens access to our collections, through
projects tailored to meet the needs and interests of diverse groups
across Scotland.
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National and global connections
We make sure our collections reach and connect with as many
people as possible. We work with museums and cultural communities
across Scotland, introducing our collections to a much wider
audience than can physically visit our museums through
partnerships, touring exhibitions and loans.
Currently, our work spans six continents. By working overseas we
are extending Scotland's international profile and developing
knowledge of our collections far beyond our museums.
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