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If you’re planning to visit the National Museum of Scotland as part of an overseas school group, please let us know you’re coming.
There are two options for your visit:
At present, we are not able to offer guided tours.
All overseas school group visits to the National Museum of Scotland must be booked in advance.
Please complete our visit request form to request a general visit to the National Museum of Scotland.
To book an exhibition visit, email groups@nms.ac.uk
Self-guided visits
Self-guided visits to the National Museum of Scotland are free of charge. Donations are welcome (suggested donation £5.00 per person). Contactless donation points are located throughout the museum.
Special exhibition visits
Tickets to paid exhibitions are discounted for groups of 10 or more, and a further discount will apply if you choose to pre-book and pay in advance at the time of booking (contact groups@nms.ac.uk for further information). Please note there are no group discounts for charged events.
Prices will be confirmed by email to all enquirers. We accept payment in cash or by debit/credit card.
All school groups should enter the museum via the main street level entrance on Chambers Street. This entrance is suitable for wheelchair access. Our Visitor Experience Team is located at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall and will be pleased to help with any additional information or assistance you may require.
Eating and drinking is restricted to the museum lunchroom. Please contact schools@nms.ac.uk to check availability.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a meal or snack at our Balcony Café or Brasserie.
Our cloakroom facilities are currently closed. Please do not bring any items to the museum that you are unable to carry with you.
There is a coach drop off point outside main entrance to the museum on Chambers Street (postcode EH1 1JF).
Pay and display parking is available on Chambers Street and off-street parking nearby at NCP Quartermile. Further information on parking can be found at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parking
Your group may wish to visit the museum shops which are located in the Entrance Hall, the Tower Entrance and outside Exhibition Gallery 1.
The shops stock ‘pocket money’ items as well as more expensive items. To reduce crowding please bring your group into the shop in groups of no more than 10. We suggest you stagger group visits throughout your trip.
The National Museum of Scotland has a limited number of wheelchairs available for visitors. Wheelchairs cannot be pre-booked. Please enquire at the Information Desk on arrival.
All maps are free of charge and can be picked up from our Ticket and Information Desk in the main Entrance Hall. You can also download maps and trails in various languages and see our exhibitions and events programme.
Ensure everyone attending, including adults, are aware of our guidelines including the recommended wearing of a face covering. Please read our guidance ahead of your visit. Please be aware that all our bookings will comply with Scottish Government guidelines.
During your visit we ask that you:
If a member of your group begins to display COVID-19 symptoms whilst in the museum, please alert the nearest member of the Visitor Experience team (dressed in navy/purple) immediately.
If you have questions about any of the above please email schools@nms.ac.uk (for self-guided visits) or groups@nms.ac.uk (for special exhibition visits).
