Our collections

Our collections represent astonishing diversity.

From fossils showing evidence of the earliest forms of life to the rich artefact collections representing other world cultures, tiny insects to whale skeletons, microchips to Concorde, our collections span millions of years and reach across the globe.

Material evidence of Scottish history and culture from the earliest times to the present day has been collected and preserved for the future.

We have an online collections database to browse and explore as well as a number of objects from our collection we have highlighted.

You can explore our Islamic collections through an international partnership which has created the new website Discover Islamic Art

Borrowing from National Museums Scotland collections

To borrow from our extensive collections, please send a formal request to National Museums Scotland, at least six months before your exhibition opens.  This request will be considered by the Loans Committee. 

Due to resources required for delivery of the Royal Museum Project we will not be offering a full loans service during 2010 and 2011. If you wish to borrow from us in 2010 please submit your request before 31 July 2009 and for 2011 loans please submit your requests by 30 November 2009.

Any queries concerning loans should be directed to the Loans Manager, Lyn Wall via email ml.wall@nms.ac.uk or 0131 247 4364.

For information regarding what objects are available for loan, please contact either the relevant curatorial departments or the Collection Management team.