About October Half Term: The Stories We Tell

Join us this October Half Term as we explore a world of stories with free family activities.

Where do we come from? What matters to us? What is important for us to remember?

From historical happenings and fantastical myths to local gossip and traditional folktales, explore the different ways people of the past and present have kept a record of the world around them. Journey through the many forms that stories can take, from oral storytelling and written tales to stories told through dance, song and objects. Discover the stories that shaped Scotland and those that have reached us from distant shores.

Events programme

Object Encounters – History, Myth, Folklore

Get hands-on with objects that have inspired myths, recorded history, or become part of folklore tradition. From ammonites to arrowheads, there are plenty stories to be found.

This event will take place in the Grand Gallery, Level 1.

The Stories You Tell

What story will you tell? Create a blackout poem from recycled books. Leave your words for others to read or take it home with you.

Shadow Stories

Get imaginative with our Scottish folklore-inspired shadow puppets and tell a story of your own.

Please note that this event will not being taking place on Wed 14 Oct.

Trails

Explore the museum with one of our trails.

Book Nook

Grab a beanbag and a book for quiet reading time with some of our favourite books in Gaelic, Scots and English.

The Stories We Sing

Take a seat and listen to music and songs that tell a story. Hear songs of love and loss, jaunty tunes, and historical ballads in Gaelic, Scots and English.

Weaving the Story

Some stories are told with colour and thread. Discover how tapestries can record important historical moments or even the story of a nation. Then add your own story to our tapestry table craft.

Object Encounters – Writing It Down

Discover the different ways humans have recorded the world around them throughout history. Then make it official by pressing your own wax seal.

How We Tell Our Stories

Enjoy short films, stories and archival footage that explore the different ways a story can be told.

This event will take place in the Auditorium, Level 1.

Please note that this event will not being taking place on Thu 15 Oct.

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.