Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
Daily from Sat 4 - Sun 19 Apr, 10:00 - 17:00
National Museum of Scotland
All pricing and booking through Science Festival website
About Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 will highlight Scotland’s contribution to scientific advances through research, innovation, and its extraordinary people.
This Easter, the Edinburgh Science Festival explores the theme 'Going Global'. The festival will showcase research and innovation created through international partnerships and cultural exploration, addressing challenges shared by people around the globe. It will also reflect on Scotland’s contribution to scientific advances.
The National Museum of Scotland will host a variety of activities, including:
- a brand-new exhibition in our Grand Gallery,
- family workshops and activities in our Learning Centre,
- thought-provoking talks and discussions in our Auditorium.
For the full Science Festival programme, including details of how to book, please visit the Science Festival website.
Activities
Science Under the Lens
When: Sat 4 - Sun 19 Apr, 10:00 - 17:00
Where: Grand Gallery
Scotland has an acclaimed history in scientific and medical discoveries, but there is more to these narratives than meets the eye. A hidden history revealed when explored under the lens. Visit this exhibition where art and hands-on exploration delve deeper into Scotland’s scientific history.
'The Great Instauration'
'The Great Instauration' (2026) is a newly commissioned installation by artist Dr Gayle Chong Kwan. Exploring historical collections including those of National Museums Scotland, the artwork connects scientific instruments to the darker stories behind some of the Scottish Enlightenment's revelations.
The installation will include large scale sculptural forms and large fabric hangings. See:
- scientific instruments transformed into fantastical roots,
- representations of Edinburgh geology,
- archival and painted images,
- and steel plinths inscribed with lesser-known histories.
Exclusive Viewing event
Experience 'The Great Instauration' after-hours followed by a discussion of the research and artistic process behind its creation.
Visit the Exclusive Viewing event page for more information.
Hands-on exploration
Visitors can experiment with some of the instruments which inspired the research behind 'The Great Instauration'. Make your own versions to take home, and play with the science of light. Younger visitors can use art to tell their own science stories, exploring how light works, and the power of story in sharing information.
Makkin' It
Dates: Mon 6 April - Sun 19 April , 10:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00
Location: Grand Gallery
Join the National Museum of Scotland Learning Team to get hands-on with some of our favourite Scottish inventions.
Visit the Makkin' It event page for more information.
Workshops, Shows, and Drop-ins
When: Mon 13 - Sun 19 Apr
Where: Various locations within the National Museum of Scotland
This year experience some of your favourite Science Festival workshops and shows in the National Museum of Scotland. Due to repairs required to the lift in the City Art Centre, the Edinburgh Science Festival family hub won’t run as in previous years. Families can still enjoy a day of hands-on fun with the Science Festival Favourites programme at the National Museum of Scotland.
Kids can:
- play the role of scientist as they 'Dig Up a Dinosaur'
- solve a crime in 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'
- or make slime to take home in 'Splat-tastic'.
The whole family can enjoy 'Mini-Medics: The Body Show'and 'The Rocket Show', and explore our free 'Tech Decoded' drop-in activities.
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 get to the Grand Gallery by taking the stairs or lifts from the Entrance Hall.
For level access to the gallery, enter the museum via the Tower Entrance. Follow the ramp to the Hawthornden Court and the Grand Gallery will be ahead of you.
Wheelchair access
There is significant space to use a wheelchair in the Grand Gallery.
You can borrow a wheelchair from the information desks at the Entrance Hall and Tower Entrance. They cannot be booked in advance.
Noise levels
The Grand Gallery can become noisy when busy.
Check our sensory map, which has information about noise and light levels in the museum.
If you or someone you are visiting with finds the visit overwhelming, a member of staff can direct you to quieter areas in the museum.
Seating
There are fixed benches and seats in the Grand Gallery. If you require a folding chair, please ask a member of the Visitor Experience team.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
There are toilets at both ends of the Grand Gallery. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet. The accessible toilet is next to the entrance to the Animal World gallery.
There is a baby changing table in both the standard toilet and the accessible toilet next to the Animal World gallery.
If you require a changing places toilet, please ask a member of staff.
Check the museum map for more information.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland.
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Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration
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Makkin it!
Mon 05 April – Sun 19 April , 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 15:00Discover some of the weird and wonderful things invented in Scotland with free, drop-in activities as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.Free - Event
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