National Museum of Scotland

What's on

List of Exhibitions

  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

    Find out more
  2. Close up of a taxidermy specimen of a grey legged douroucouli, looking directly at the camera. The douroucouli has grey fur, and a round face with a flat nose. It's main features are its eyes, which are red, striking, and looking directly at the camera.
    Exhibition

    Monkeys: Our Primate Family

    –
    Monkeys: Our Primate Family is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions on primates ever staged, featuring over 50 rare primate specimens.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more

List of Events

  1. An orchestra is performing in the grand gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.
    Event

    Concert for a Summer's Night

    Sat 14 Jun, 20:00 - 21:15
    Join us for an evening of bright and vivid music from the Scottish Ensemble in the light-filled setting of the Grand Gallery.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  2. Two people sitting at a table listening to a member of museum staff talk about a sword from the collections.
    Event

    Museum Socials

    Third Friday of the month, 10:30 – 12:00
    Our Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. A youg child and his parent or carer are surrounded by a crowd of people and enjoying an event in the grand gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.
    Event

    Monkey Business

    Sat 28 and Sun 29 Jun, Sat 19 and Sat 26 Jul, 10:30 - 16:00
    This summer, celebrate the opening of our new exhibition 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' with activities for all the family.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  4. Young person points at a model of the museum made from Lego.
    Event

    Summer Family Fun

    Mondays and Fridays from 14 Jul - 1 Aug, 10:30 - 15:30
    Get crafty, get curious, get up-close with our fun summer holiday activities.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  5. Event

    Gilded Balloon at the Museum

    –
    We are ready to play host to Fringe legends Gilded Balloon once again.
    Tickets available

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  6. Event

    Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh

    Fri 1 and Fri 8 Aug 2025, 19:30 - 22:30
    Come ‘gie it laldy’ with a traditional Scottish ceilidh in the Grand Gallery, plus activities throughout our galleries.  

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  7. A tacidermied family of emperor tamarins are sat on a log. One of them looks like it is whispering in the other's ear.
    Event

    BSL Tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family

    Thu 14 Aug, 15:00 - 16:00
    Join BSL guide Babs Brown for a guided tour of the exhibition. This event is aimed at D/deaf community BSL visitors. It will be delivered in BSL with no interpretation provided.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more