Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration
Sat 4 Apr, 18:00-20:00
National Museum of Scotland
Tickets from £19.50
About Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration
Commissioned for this year's Science Festival, experience ‘The Great Instauration’ after-hours. This will be followed by a discussion of the research and artistic process behind its creation.
‘The Great Instauration’ (2026) is a newly commissioned installation by artist Dr Gayle Chong Kwan. The work connects scientific instruments with the stories of oppression, exploitation, and enslavement behind some of the Scottish Enlightenment’s scientific revelations.
The installation brings together contemporary sculpture and reflections on science’s cultural legacy. Chong Kwan carried out research across eight major collections, including the Wellcome Collection and the National Museum of Scotland to rethink science’s stories and reframe who gets remembered.
‘The Great Instauration’ stands throughout the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. Discover:
- scientific instruments transformed into fantastical roots
- hanging fabric of Edinburgh’s geological strata
- archival and painted images
- steel plinths inscribed with lesser-known histories.
Join a discussion with the artist alongside
- Dr Rebekah Higgitt, Principal Curator of Science at the National Museum of Scotland
- Dr Maryam Ohadi-Hamadani, Lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Art of the Global Diasporas at Edinburgh College of Art.
Ticket includes a welcome drink.
Presented by Edinburgh Science
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.
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