National Museum of Scotland
With thousands of amazing objects across multiple galleries, the Museum offers you a world of discovery all under one roof
Visitor information for National Museum of Scotland
Admission details:
Free entry
Opening hours:
Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00
Closed 25 Dec. Open 26 Dec, 12:00 – 17:00. Open 1 Jan, 12:00 – 17:00.
What's on
- 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 - Event
Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh
Fri 1 and Fri 8 Aug 2025, 19:30 - 22:30Come ‘gie it laldy’ with a traditional Scottish ceilidh in the Grand Gallery, plus activities throughout our galleries.Sold out - Event
Gilded Balloon at the Museum
–We are ready to play host to Fringe legends Gilded Balloon once again.Tickets available
Stories from the collections
- Discover
What is the Peebles Hoard?
The Peebles Hoard is a spectacular collection of bronze, leather and wooden material. Dating to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BCE), it contains several hundred elements from a complex set of objects. A complete sword in a wooden scabbard… - Discover
Old square toes: A rare pair of British jack boots
In 18th century Europe, developing trends in male footwear made sure that riding boots were – in Nancy Sinatra's words – 'Made for Walking'. - Discover
Escape and Evade: how to avoid capture in the Second World War
In 1939, a secret department of Military Intelligence (MI9) was formed. It employed the inventor Christopher Clayton Hutton and former magician Jasper Maskelyne. Their remit was to devise ingenious ways to smuggle maps, compasses, money… - Discover
Scotland's crowning glory: Gala days past and present
Gala days are popular annual events across Scotland, especially in former mining villages and fishing communities.
