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. 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

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  3. Large 3D origami like sculptures of giant animals, in the giants exhibition space. In the foreground is a woolly mammoth, with glass panels on the legs that show real fossilised bones inside.
    Exhibition

    Giants

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

    National Museum of Scotland

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  4. 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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List of Events

  1. Close up of a taxidermy specimen of the Hamlyn's monkey, looking directly at the camera.
    Event

    Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family

    3 Aug - 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.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  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

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  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

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  4. A man is looking face to face at a taxidermy specimen of a proboscis monkey
    Event

    Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family

    Tuesday 7 October, 14:00 - 15:00
    Join exhibition curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener, to learn how research into our primate collections is shaping our understanding of the biology and conservation of monkey species around the world today.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  5. 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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  6. A child and adult looking at a geological specimen.
    Event

    Relaxed Curiosity Club

    Sat 29 Mar – Sat 21 Jun, 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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  7. Two young people are looking at a gallery interactive screen, in the monkeys exhibition. They're standing in front of a display case full of primate skulls.
    Event

    Monkeys After Dark: Families

    Friday 21 November, 17:30 - 19:30
    Experience the magic of visiting Monkeys: Our Primate Family after dark and enjoy talks and activities for families.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  8. Event

    Monkeys After Dark: Adults

    Fri 21 Nov, 20:00 - 22:00
    Join us for after hours entry to 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' and enjoy short auditorium talks and activities for adults.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  9. 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.

    National Museum of Scotland

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