Discover
Fascinating stories behind our collection, from the prehistoric to the present.
With over 12 million objects and specimens in our museums and stores, we have a lot of stories to tell. Uncover hidden histories, discover breakthrough research, and dip in to different perspectives with our collection of articles and films.
Featured stories
The story of the Lewis chess pieces
What eleven chess pieces tell us about Scotland and the growing popularity of chess in medieval Europe.
100 years of the Little Black Dress
Explore the evolution and reinvention of the LBD in popular culture in the 20th and 21st centuries, through garments from our collection.
Scotland's ski-maker
Meet Jamie Kunka, a self-taught ski-maker. Fusing tradition and innovation, he founded Lonely Mountain Skis in Birnam, Perthshire.
Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?
- Discover
The life, death, and legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots
Arguably the most famous and controversial figure in Scottish history, Mary Stewart has become something of an enigma. Intrigue and romance have often obscured the hard facts of her life and reign. - Discover
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most famous yet enigmatic figures in Scottish history. Our collection contains a rich selection of objects associated with Mary. Explore her dramatic story and separate out the facts from the myths that… - Discover
The controversial letters associated with the Mary, Queen of Scots Casket
The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen. - Discover
Mary, Queen of Scots and the silver casket
The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen. Take a closer look at this extremely rare work of early French silver and its associations… - Discover
A brief history of James VI and I
James VI and I was a hugely significant Stewart king. But he has been overshadowed by his notorious relations. His predecessor in Scotland was his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. In England, his cousin, Elizabeth I, and finally his successor… - Discover
True or False: Objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots
The life and death of Mary, Queen of Scots has given rise to countless legends over the years. Many places and objects acquire a new glamour through their association with her - genuine or otherwise. In our collection we have many items…
Exhibition deep dive: Cold War Scotland
How Scotland became a Cold War battleground
Drawing on never-before-seen archives, object collections, footage, and interviews with experts, this film explores Scotland's critical position on the frontline of the Cold War.
Nuclear Scotland during the Cold War
Discover the history and impact of nuclear power in Scotland during this period.
The Cold War and Scottish society
Scotland was the site for cultural and political exchange from both sides of the Cold War across the 20th century. This film delves into the stories of the Cold War and Scottish society.
Ever wonder how minerals are named?
Latest stories
- Discover
Developing new mannequins for our fashion displays
Our displays are evolving to reflect different bodies and to tell new stories. Find out more about our process and where we plan to go from here. - Discover
A treasure in its own right: the Galloway Hoard vessel
The lidded vessel in the Galloway Hoard is like a hoard within a hoard. It was carefully packed to the brim with 27 objects. But the vessel is a treasure in its own right. - Discover
The history, art, and legacy of the Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman is the world's most famous train service. Over 100 years since the iconic steam locomotive entered service, we trace its history and legacy. - Discover
The Newcomen engine and its role in Britain’s industrial revolution
Towering 9.5m high and weighing 20 tonnes, the Newcomen engine in our collection is a part of the story of the industrial revolution in Britain.Thomas Newcomen developed this type of engine in 1712 in response to the problem of water in… - Discover
Uncovering the history of a thermodynamic model by James Clerk Maxwell
Edinburgh born physicist James Clerk Maxwell created this 3D model to represent the behaviour of an imaginary substance showing its solid, liquid, and gas states. - Discover
The only known painted portrait of Alexander Dalrymple
This portrait is one of the only known images of Scottish-born Alexander Dalrymple. But who was Dalrymple, and what can this painting tell us about this significant figure in Britain’s maritime history?
Header image: Nobles Amusements, Portobello beach, 1983. Watch Memories of Nobles Amusements to discover local stories and memories of an Edinburgh landmark.