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. 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.

    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 person with a pram is talking to a museum worker, in the grand gallery at the national museum of scotland. The museum worker is at a small stand, with a sign saying 'Engagement team' behind them.
    Event

    Find Out Fridays

    5 Sep 25 - 26 Jun 2026, every Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00
    Drop-in Friday fun for families of all ages.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  3. 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

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  4. A young person in glasses and a hat looking at a robotic hand.
    Event

    Friday Friends

    Various dates, 14:00 - 16:00
    Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. A person tracing a child's hand on a piece of paper.
    Event

    Sensory Sunday

    Sun 5 October 2025 - Sun 1 Feb 2026, 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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