National Museum of Scotland

What's on

List of Exhibitions

  1. 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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  2. An array of bronze age weapons including a brown shield with a hole in the centre, a dark grey spearhead and a stack of green and grey short swords against a black background.
    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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  3. A Roman stone altar with the face of the Roman god Sol carved into it. Rays of light pass through slits around the head of Sol.
    Exhibition

    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. 

    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. Preserved items from the Bronze Age Carnoustie Hoard, including a spearhead, sword, and pin.
    Event

    Member Preview Day: Scotland's First Warriors

    Fri 26 Jun, 10:00 - 20:00
    Join us for an exclusive Member Preview of Scotland’s First Warriors before the exhibition opens to the public. Now featuring extended opening hours.

    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 children examine museum objects on a trolley. One is holding a small bone while the other looks intently.
    Event

    Summer Family Fun

    Every Mon and Fri, 29 Jun - 7 Aug, 10:00 - 16:00
    Get crafty, get curious, get up-close with our free summer holiday activities.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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  4. 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

    1 Feb - 6 Dec 2026, 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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  5. A child paints at a table
    Event

    Sensory Sunday

    Sun 1 Feb – Sun 6 Dec 2026, 11:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 15:00
    Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.
    Sold out

    National Museum of Scotland

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  6. A sheep on display in a glass case, in a science-themed gallery. 
    Event

    Dolly at 30: The Life and Legacy of a Cloned Sheep

    Thurs 16 Jul, 18:30 - 20:30
    Join our expert panel for a free evening discussion and pop-up display exploring the history and legacy of Dolly the sheep.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

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

    Museum Socials

    17 Jul - 18 Dec, 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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  8. A child drawing at a table with other children doing crafts.
    Event

    Creative Workshops for Kids: In the footsteps of giants

    Wed 22 and Wed 29 Jul, 09:30 - 12:00 or 13:30 - 16:30
    A creative workshop for kids ages 7 - 11.

    National Museum of Scotland

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  9. A child sits at a table doing a craft activity
    Event

    Creative Workshops for Kids: Storytelling through collage animation

    Wed 22 and Wed 29 Jul, 09:30 - 12:00 or 13:30 - 16:30
    A stop-motion animation creative workshop for kids ages 7-11.

    National Museum of Scotland

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