Find Out Fridays
5 Sep 25 - 26 Jun 2026, every Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00
National Museum of Scotland
Free, drop-in
About Find Out Fridays
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team.
Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects. Take part in a practical demonstration or have a go at a quick craft activity.
Find our Spark Cart in the Grand Gallery from 13:30 – 16:00 on Fridays during school term-time.
Programme
Fri 24 April – Meteorites
Get hands on with some of our favourite meteorites and discover what happens when space rocks become earth rocks.
Fri 1 May – Van der Graff generator
We’re fully charged for this Find Out Friday all about electricity. The results may shock you.
Fri 8 May – Jewellery
Bling bling! This Find Out Friday, we’re exploring our jewellery collection. Can you guess who might have worn these fancy pieces?
Fri 15 May – Swords and Shields
Arrows and broadswords and targes, oh my. Join us this week to learn about some of the different weapons that have been used throughout history.
Fri 22 May – Toys
It’s all fun and games as we discover what people of the past did to have fun.
Fri 29 May – Ocean Animals
Go beneath the waves with our final Find Out Friday of May as we explore the seas and the fascinating animals that live there.
Good to know
Please note that there will be no Find Out Friday on:
- Friday 3, 10 & 17 April
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.
Related events
- Event
Summer Family Fun
Every Monday and Friday in July, 10:30 - 16:00Get crafty, get curious, get up-close with our free summer holiday activities.Free - Event
Escape From France Puzzle Room
Mon 13 Jul–Fri 7 Aug, 11:30–16:00 (weekdays only)Solve the challenges in our family puzzle room and master the skills Second World War RAF pilots needed to escape enemy territory.Free with admission - Event
Moth Hunters
Sat 18 Jul, 9:00-12:00Discover the variety of local moths in the museum grounds and enjoy moth-themed family friendly activities.Free with admission