
About Doug Allan: Giants of the Sea
Following his sold-out talk in April 2024, award-winning wildlife photographer Doug Allan is back at the National Museum of Scotland. This time, to talk about his experiences filming the great giants of the sea.
Twice winner of the underwater category in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Doug will share insights from his incredible 40-year career.
Featuring his own photographs and clips from well-known TV programmes, Doug will talk about the excitement and challenges he's faced when working in the world’s oceans.
Part of our Giants exhibition events programme.
Good to know
- The event will include a live audience Q&A. Questions can also be sent in advance to publicevents@nms.ac.uk
- After the talk there will be an opportunity to buy one of Doug Allan’s signed prints.
- Please note that entry to Giants is not included, but you can buy a discounted ticket (£5 off) for the exhibition when you buy a ticket to this event.
Pricing information
Ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price |
| Members | £12 |
| Adults | £15 |
| Over 65s | £14 |
| Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot | £12 |
Free entry for accompanying essential carers.
Ticketing terms and conditions
National Museums Scotland has a non-refundable and non-transferable ticketing policy.
Doug Allan
It was a chance meeting with David Attenborough in Antarctica that started Doug on his wildlife filming career over 40 years ago. His cinematography awards include eight Emmys and five BAFTAs. He has Honorary Doctorates from Stirling, St Andrews and Edinburgh Napier in recognition of his camerawork. In 2018 he was awarded the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Mungo Park Medal for his outstanding contribution to geographical knowledge through exploration.

Doug Allan with walrus
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 Collecting Stories gallery. Go through the glass doors and the Auditorium will be on your left.
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. A staff member will be at the door to offer assistance.
Wheelchair access
There are four designated spaces for wheelchairs in the Auditorium. Two are at the front on Level 1 and two 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.
The Auditorium has significant space for maneuvering a wheelchair.
You can borrow a wheelchair from the information desks at the Entrance Hall and Tower Entrance. 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.
Hearing induction loops
There is an induction loop in the Auditorium.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
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.
Header image credit: Sue Flood.
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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