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Find out more about our range of initiatives to support and welcome autistic visitors.
National Museums Scotland is committed to encouraging autistic people to visit and enjoy our museums. We now have a range of resources to support and welcome autistic people to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. We plan to hold these sessions on the first Sunday of every month. Find out more information and details of our next Relaxed Morning
2023 dates
The museum has developed a general visual story featuring pictures of the museum and information about what to expect when you visit. The museum has two entrances, the tower entrance and the main entrance. There is a visual story for each entrance:
You may wish to enter the museum via the Tower Entrance – this avoids the busy entrance hall by the main entrance and the need to go upstairs or use the lift to get into the main part of the museum.
There is more information on our 'Plan your visit' page.
We have created a sensory map, to show all the different sensory experiences in different parts of the museum. Download a map to help you find the areas best suited to you.
Download our picture communication cards of some of the museum’s most popular objects. These include information about their location.
A limited number of sensory backpacks are available to borrow for free from the Tower Entrance desk and the Main Entrance Information Desk. We also have spare ear defenders available in adult and child sizes.
Information about getting to the museum can be found here.
You may wish to enter the museum via the Tower Entrance – this avoids the busy entrance hall by the main entrance and the need to go upstairs or use the lift to get into the main part of the museum.
Above: The Tower Entrance to the National Museum of Scotland
It can get noisy and busy in the museum, however due to Covid-19 precautions and the restrictions on numbers the museum is currently much quieter.
There are a number of exhibits that feature noises. Particular things to note include:
In general, the Scottish galleries and the Art and Design galleries are calmer spaces.
If at any time you or someone you are visiting with finds the visit overwhelming, a member of staff can direct you to quieter areas in the museum. The sensory map also identifies the quieter spaces. During our monthly Relaxed Mornings we offer a dedicated quiet space.
If you have any questions or problems during your visit, please speak to a member of our Visitor Experience team. They will be present throughout the galleries or at our information desks in the Entrance Hall, the Tower Entrance or outside the Level 3 Exhibition Gallery. The Visitor Experience team wear purple shirts and navy blazers.
Above: A member of our Visitor Experience team with visitors in the Grand Gallery
Throughout the year we hold a number of relaxed events, including our monthly relaxed mornings and a programme of early door and after hours events.
We are always striving to improve the museum experience for autistic visitors and would welcome any feedback or queries you might have. Please contact us on communities@nms.ac.uk
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Find out what to see and do as you plan your visit to the National Museum of Scotland.
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
Information to plan your self-guided group visit to the National Museum of Scotland.
Find out more about our range of initiatives to support and welcome autistic visitors.
