National Museums Scotland

People walk around a large, light, multi-level gallery space with two levels of balconies around the sides.

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What's on

  1. A black and white photo of a group of people standing in a city square holding balloons. There is a child's pram covered in protest signs and buttons.
    Exhibition

    Cold War Scotland

    –
    Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, this exhibition tells the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    More info
  2. A busy museum gallery filled with people looking at boards and displays for the Edinburgh Science Festival
    Event

    Edinburgh Science Festival 2025

    Daily from 5 Apr - 20 Apr, 10:00 - 17:00
    Join us as we host two weeks of science-fuelled exploration, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events. 

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. A young child is sitting next to an Adult, and both are playing with crafted materials and looking happy.
    Event

    Mission Planet Earth

    Sat 5 Apr - Sun 20 Apr, 10:30 - 16:00
    Scientists, astronauts, wayfarers, and wanderers – Planet Earth needs you! Return to Earth and discover what you can do to solve the problems of the future.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
See what else is on

Discover our collections

  1. Twelve bronze objects, including some rounded fittings with concentric circle designs and a rattle pendant.
    Discover

    What is the Peebles Hoard?

    The Peebles Hoard is a spectacular collection of bronze, leather and wooden material. Dating to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BCE), it contains several hundred elements from a complex set of objects. A complete sword in a wooden scabbard…
    Keep reading
  2. A bust portrait of a man slightly turned to the left, wearing a dark coat with a white shirt against picturesque landscape in the background.
    Discover

    Get to know Robert Burns through 10 objects

    A variety of objects relating to the life of Scotland's bard can be found in National Museums Scotland's collection. Read on to learn more about Burns' life, legacy, and his depictions in objects and popular culture.
    Keep reading
  3. A white sheep looking to camera, shown from the shoulders up against a grey background
    Discover

    The story of Dolly the sheep

    Dolly the sheep was the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell. Affectionately named after country music legend Dolly Parton, Dolly caused excitement and controversy among both scientists and the public.Why is Dolly…
    Keep reading
  4. Discover

    Discovering dinosaur bones on a Scottish island

    Dr Elsa Panciroli was walking along the shore of the island of Eigg when something caught her eye. She had stepped on a boulder, but there was something unusual buried in it.Dr Panciroli, a Research Associate at National Museums Scotland,…
    Keep reading
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