
Annual Director’s Lecture: Buying Power
National Museum of Scotland
Free event for Members, booking required
About Annual Director’s Lecture: Buying Power
Join Director Dr Chris Breward for this special Member event to learn about the history of antiquities collecting in Egypt and Sudan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Alongside Chris, curator Dr Dan Potter will discuss how this antiquities rush was supplied by myriad archaeological excavations and a booming antiquities market.
Learn how archaeologists in that period often participated in both scientific excavations and the antiquities trade. Dan will highlight some of the objects that came into the collections during this time and discuss the ethics behind their movement. Dan will also discuss how the finances and ethics behind these transactions were perceived at the time and what that might mean for Egyptology today.
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Good to know
- Please note, entry to this event is via the Lothian Street entrance from 18:15, not the Main Entrance on Chambers Street.
Accessibility and facilities
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
How to get to the space
You can make your way to the Auditorium by walking through the Lothian Entrance. There is a ramp on the left-hand side once you enter the building.
The door to the Auditorium is not automatic and cannot be opened by a push pad. During an event it may already be open or you can open it by pulling it towards you.
Wheelchair access
There are four designated spaces for wheelchairs in the Auditorium. Two are at the front on Level 1 and two are at the back on Level 2. You can access the upper spaces by taking the lift next to the Auditorium. A staff member will be available to give directions to the lift.
These spaces can be booked in advance. Please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk to book a designated wheelchair space.
There is significant space to use a wheelchair in the Auditorium.
Please ask a member of staff if you'd like to borrow a wheelchair after you've arrived. They cannot be booked in advance.
Seating
Seats in the Auditorium are fixed and tiered. There are steps and handrails on either side of the seating rows.
The seats are cushioned and have arm rests on either side.
There is 18cm of leg room between rows.
If you require a seat at the front or near the front, please get in touch at publicevents@nms.ac.uk.
Hearing induction loops
There is an induction loop in the Auditorium.
Toilets and baby changing
The nearest toilets are on Level 1 next to the Lothian Street Entrance. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet. A baby changing table is located in the accessible toilet.
If you require a changing places toilet, please ask a member of staff.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland.
Plan your visit
All the information you need to plan your visit to the National Museum of Scotland.
Plan your visit
All the information you need to plan your visit to the National Museum of Scotland.
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