Venue hire at National Museum of Scotland

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In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland offers an impressive selection of venues for a wide range of events, from intimate private dining and weddings to conferences and awards ceremonies.

Grand Gallery and Entrance Hall
The Auditorium Complex
The Board and Bute Rooms
Hawthornden Court and Kingdom of the Scots gallery
Early People gallery
The galleries

Grand Gallery and Entrance Hall

Grand Gallery
Grand Gallery
Grand Gallery
Grand Gallery
Grand Gallery
Grand Gallery
Grand Gallery
Entrance to the National Museum of Scotland
Entrance Hall
Entrance Hall

One of Scotland’s most beautiful venues, the Grand Gallery’s soaring glass atrium and sweeping staircases present a breath-taking backdrop for up to 1,500 guests. Housing some of the museums’ most dramatic objects, this versatile venue hosts inspiring events surrounded by history.

Directly beneath the Grand Gallery, the Entrance Hall’s vaulted ceilings and stone archways create a unique atmosphere for entertaining - the perfect setting for an elegant pre-dinner reception or post-dinner entertaining.

The Grand Gallery
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	1500	A uniquely versatile venue, the Grand Gallery can host a wide range of events including fashion shows, awards ceremonies, product launches, receptions, dinners, weddings, presentations, graduation ceremonies and TV location filming.
Dinner	950
Dinner Dance	700
The Entrance Hall
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	700	The Entrance hall is an ideal location for receptions, pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner entertaining.

The Auditorium Complex

Auditorium
Auditorium
Close up of red chairs in the Auditorium
South Hall, outside the Auditorium
Lunch in the Events Space outside the Auditorium
Coffee in the Events Space outside the Auditorium

The Auditorium Complex provides comprehensive facilities for conferencing, presentations and performances. The 200 seat Auditorium boasts a full suite of audio visual equipment and hire includes exclusive use of the South Hall Gallery and Events Space, offering convenient spaces for breakout sessions, catering and exhibitions.

Find out more about meetings and conferences at National Museums Scotland and the Auditorium Complex’s Day Delegate Rates.

The Auditorium
Maximum capacity		Uses
Theatre Style	200	A convenient location for presentations, seminars, live performances, AGMs, press calls and conferences.
South Hall
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	200	With a private entrance and cloakroom facilities, this area is ideal for registration and catering breaks.
Events Space
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	200	A versatile, light filled space for break-out sessions, catering breaks, exhibitions, workshops and receptions.

The Board and Bute Rooms

Dinner in the Boardroom
Bute Room
Dinner in the Bute Room
Roof terrace
The Tower Entrance to the National Museum of Scotland

This suite of stunning private rooms is one of the museum’s most popular venues. Split across three levels, the Board and Bute Rooms can accommodate a wide range of events, from private dining and meetings, to workshops and weddings.

The circular Bute Room is a striking and flexible space suitable for almost any occasion. Directly above, the Boardroom boasts a beautiful burr maple central table and panoramic windows overlooking Edinburgh’s Old Town to the Castle. Finally, these spectacular rooms are crowned with a private roof terrace offering 360 degree views of our breath-taking city.

Learn more about meetings in the Board and Bute Rooms.

The Bute Room
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	80	This flexible room can be set for receptions, dinners, presentations, meetings, workshops, private parties and weddings.
Theatre style	50
Banquet	50
Cabaret	30
The Boardroom
Maximum capacity		Uses
Dinner	24	In this distinctive space up to 24 guests can be seated around the central burr maple wood table for meetings or dining. The space can also be used for receptions or breakout sessions.
Reception	50
The Roof Terrace
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	50	In the summer months this breath-taking venue is ideal for drinks receptions and intimate weddings.

Hawthornden Court and Kingdom of the Scots

Drinks reception in Hawthornden Court
Kingdom of the Scots
Kingdom of the Scots
Hawthornden Court

These magnificent, contemporary spaces present exciting possibilities for evening entertaining.

Hawthornden Court’s striking architecture presents a stylish backdrop for all manner of events. In contrast, the adjoining Kingdom of the Scots Gallery provides an ideal location for pre-dinner drinks or large receptions. Here guests have the unique opportunity to explore a fascinating period is Scotland’s past, with a glass of champagne in hand.

Hawthornden Court and Kingdom of the Scots
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	700	Two versatile spaces suitable for product launches, dinners, receptions, weddings, presentations, film and TV location filming.
Dinner	120
Theatre Style	175

Early People gallery

Early People gallery
Dinner and entertainment in the Early People gallery
Early People gallery

The Early People Gallery is an atmospheric space for receptions and small dinners. More than 5,000 treasures from Scotland’s ancient past and twelve striking bronze figures by the renowned sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi add a sense of theatre to this dramatic setting.

Early People gallery
Maximum capacity		Uses
Reception	250	Ideally suited for intimate dining, receptions, presentations, weddings.
Dinner	120
Theatre-style	100

The galleries

Animal World gallery
Earth in Space gallery
Discoveries gallery
Traditions in Sculpture gallery

From the age of dinosaurs to the technology of the future, the National Museum of Scotland’s galleries contain treasures from around the world. Through guided tours, exclusive access or a private view, our spectacular galleries provide further exciting opportunities in what is already one of Scotland’s most memorable venues.