A multi-level open museum space with balconies and an arched ceiling. There are lots of visitors looking at objects on display.

National Museum of Scotland

With thousands of amazing objects across multiple galleries, the Museum offers you a world of discovery all under one roof

Visitor information for National Museum of Scotland

Admission details:

Free entry

Contact:

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Tel: 0300 123 6789

Opening hours:

Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00

Closed 25 Dec. Open 26 Dec, 12:00 – 17:00. Open 1 Jan, 12:00 – 17:00.

What's on

  1. A black and white photo of a group of people standing in a city square holding balloons. There is a child's pram covered in protest signs and buttons.
    Exhibition

    Cold War Scotland

    –
    Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, this exhibition tells the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    More info
  2. A man and a boy sit on a bench in the grand gallery looking at a large dinosaur picture book. The boy is wearing ear protectors.
    Event

    Relaxed Morning

    6 Jul - 2 Nov 2025, 10:00 - 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
    Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. A person tracing a child's hand on a piece of paper.
    Event

    Sensory Sunday

    Sun 4 May – Sun 5 Oct, 11:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 15:00
    Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
See what else is on

Stories from the collections

  1. Twelve bronze objects, including some rounded fittings with concentric circle designs and a rattle pendant.
    Discover

    What is the Peebles Hoard?

    The Peebles Hoard is a spectacular collection of bronze, leather and wooden material. Dating to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BCE), it contains several hundred elements from a complex set of objects. A complete sword in a wooden scabbard…
    Keep reading
  2. Ancient Mayan vase depicting a detailed illustration of a smoking monkey and human figures, adorned with intricate glyphs and traditional motifs.
    Discover

    Reviving Mayan ceramics: the Smoking Monkey Vase

    This lively ceramic vessel by Mayan artist Patricia Martín Morales shows a procession of animals and spiritual beings enjoying the intoxicating effects of cacao and tobacco.
    Keep reading
  3. A small silver box with gold metal work along the edges. There are gold mounts of different shapes embedded on the box.
    Discover

    A medieval masterpiece: The Monymusk reliquary

    The Monymusk reliquary is arguably the most important piece of early Christian metalwork to survive in Scotland.
    Keep reading
  4. Person sitting in a wooden boat filled with lobster traps on calm water, with another boat visible in the background.
    Discover

    9 summer customs in rural Scotland

    Explore stories of spring in rural Scotland through tools, machinery and photographs from the rural history collections.
    Keep reading
View more stories

Awards