The National Museum of Scotland is a free, five-star attraction in Edinburgh. Its central location, stunning Victorian architecture, and spacious galleries make it a great choice for your clients.

Our world-class collections will take you on a journey through the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature and diverse cultures from around the globe.

Find information here to plan group tours and access helpful resources for visits. You can also request a brochure of our travel trade offers. 

Self-led tours

You can bring groups to the National Museum of Scotland with your own guide or tour leader. 

No booking is required. 

We allow a maximum of 20 people per guide. 

Exhibition discount

Groups of 10 or more can receive a discount on our special exhibitions. 

This discount is automatically applied when you book exhibition tickets online. 

Please note we do not allow tour guides into our special exhibitions. 

Related items

  1. Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots dressed in a vivid pink doublet lined with gold and pearls, looking stoically ahead against a bright blue background.
    Exhibitions

    Mary, Queen of Scots: Renaissance and Resistance

    12 June - 14 November 2027
    Few figures in Scottish history have captured the imagination like Mary, Queen of Scots. We are familiar with the story of her life, its dramatic events, and its sad ending on the executioner’s block. More than 440 years after her death,…
    Just announced
  2. Yellow patterned jacket, with black and white accents, on a manequin.
    Exhibitions

    A Fashion Odyssey: Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, Zandra Rhodes

    –
    A Fashion Odyssey explores the work of three trailblazing British fashion designers - Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, and Zandra Rhodes.
  3. A roman mask
    Exhibitions

    Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire

    –
    'Roman Scotland' will tell new stories of Roman occupation and reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. 

Museum highlights

Over 20,000 objects are on display at the National Museum of Scotland. 

Discover Scotland’s must-see treasures in one spectacular museum, including: 

  • Dolly the Sheep
  • Mary Queen of Scots’ jewellery
  • Vivienne Westwood suits
  • the Lewis Chess pieces
  • Dolly the sheep in a glass case surrounded by vehicle displays in a large museum gallery.

    Highlights audio tour

    Discover some of the highlights of our collections introduced by the voices of the museum team as they reveal the stories behind our most iconic objects.
  • Four visitors look through a display case in the Fashion and Style gallery.

    Explore the galleries

    From the age of dinosaurs to the technology of the future, our galleries contain treasures from around the world.
  • A woman wearing a stripey jumpsuit looks through a view finder out towards the Edinburgh skyline. In view is Edinburgh Castle.

    Roof Terrace

    Make your way up to the Roof Terrace (Level 7) for an unforgettable view of the Edinburgh skyline.

Info for your visit

Opening times

Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00.

Closed 25 Dec.

Open 26 Dec, 12:00 – 17:00.

Open 1 Jan, 12:00 – 17:00.

Coach parking

Coach drop off is available outside the museum entrance on Chambers Street and coach parking is available at Johnston Terrace. 

Visit our plan your visit page for more transport options. 

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. All the info is in one place.

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland. 

Museum map

Our museum map is available for download in a variety of languages. 

Eating and drinking

Catering Options for groups are available at the Museum Kitchen. Book clients in for a coffee and pastry package from £6.50.

For free time visitors, snacks, lunches or afternoon teas are available as walk ups at the Museum Kitchen (in the Entrance Hall), Balcony Cafe (Level 3) and Hawthornden Court cafe (Level 1).

Shops

The museum shops are in the main Entrance Hall, the Tower Entrance and outside Exhibition Gallery 1. We sell a range of items and gifts for all ages.

We accept cash and card payments. 

You can browse our shop products online. 

Request a brochure

If you would like a PDF brochure of our travel trade offers, get in touch at: