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

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  2. A man and young girl are standing in the centre of the image, pointing upwards at a giant, 3D sculpture of an animal. Other visitors are to the left and right, looking at the same sculpture, and the sculpture of a gorilla to the left
    Exhibition

    Giants

    –
    Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived 66 million years ago, through life-sized sculptures, skeletons, and fossils.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  3. A Bronze Age spearhead. The base of the spearhead has a delicate gold hatched design.
    Exhibition

    Scotland's First Warriors

    –
    Scotland's First Warriors reveals the origins and impact of conflict in prehistoric Scotland.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  4. Two women looking at geological samples in a museum display case.
    Membership

    Become a Member

    Enjoy a range of benefits, including free entry, unlimited access to our special exhibitions, and event discounts. 

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List of Events

  1. Performers dressed as superheroes singing on a stage to an audience of families and young children.
    Event

    Sprogmanay

    Thu 1 Jan 2026, 12:00 - 17:00
    Join us to celebrate the start of the New Year in party style with an afternoon of free family fun with live music and performances.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  2. A woman standing at the entance of a snow tunnel on a mountain, looking out towards a river and mountains,
    Event

    Conservation in action: Film showcase and panel

    Sat 17 Jan, 13:30-15:00
    Join us for an afternoon exploring inspirational conservation stories with a screening of environmental short films and an interactive panel discussion. In partnership with the Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (ECFF) and Edinburgh…

    National Museum of Scotland

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  3. Black and white image of a cobblestone Victorian high street. There are various shop fronts, a horse and cart, and people walking around.
    Event

    Centre for Open Learning: Victorian Edinburgh

    21 Jan – 1 Apr 2026, Wednesdays 11:00 – 13:00
    This course considers the complex challenges and changes in Scotland's capital from 1837–1901.
    Sold out

    National Museum of Scotland

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  4. Event

    Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh

    Fri 23 Jan 2026, 19:30 - 22:30
    Our sell out Big Burns Ceilidh returns! Join us to celebrate Burns Night with a traditional Scottish ceilidh in the Grand Gallery, plus activities throughout the National Museum of Scotland.
    Sold out

    National Museum of Scotland

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  5. The teeth of a megalodon shark, set in a glass display case in the lifesize shape of the megalodon's jaw.
    Event

    Member Preview Day and Evening: Giants

    Fri 30 Jan 2026, 10:00 - 20:00
    Join us for an exclusive Preview of Giants and see National Museum of Scotland's newest exhibition before it opens to the public. Now featuring special extended opening hours.
    Just announced

    National Museum of Scotland

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  6. Child looks towards the right through a brass telescope.
    Event

    Curiosity Club

    Sat 29 Mar - Sat 29 Nov, 10:30 - 12:00
    Don’t miss our exciting, hands-on sessions for curious kids ages 7-11.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  7. A child and adult looking at a geological specimen.
    Event

    Relaxed Curiosity Club

    Sat 25 Oct – Sat 28 Mar, 14:30 - 15:30
    Join us for our exciting series of hands-on sessions for curious ASN families.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  8. A portrait of two young men turned to one another sideways. The man on the left is wearing a white ruffle wig an a blue jacked with buttons. The man on the right is wearing a white ruffled wig and a red jacket with buttons, a blue ribbon draped over left shoulder and a six point star medal pinned to the coat.
    Event

    Centre for Open Learning: Georgian Scotland

    15 Apr – 17 Jun 2026, Wednesdays 11:00 – 13:00
    This course explores Scotland’s great changes and developments between 1714 – 1815.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  9. A portrait of a Scottish piper in traditional dress made up of red tartan.
    Event

    Centre for Open Learning: Scotland: Romance and Reality

    Fri 22 May 2026, 10:30 – 16:30
    Explore the romance and reality of 18th and 19th century Scotland in this one-day course.

    National Museum of Scotland

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