About Museum Explorer

Discover the highlights of the National Museum of Scotland with this engaging introductory tour led by one of our Learning Enablers.

What will my pupils do?

This tour will give your pupils a chance to explore the range of our collections at the National Museum of Scotland, including objects from our Natural World, World Cultures, Fashion, Science and Technology and Scottish History galleries.  They will encounter some of our most popular objects alongside some hidden gems and discover the stories they reveal. 

Pupils will: 

  • Explore and analyse a variety of objects, understanding their historical, cultural, and scientific significance 
  • Develop skills in critical thinking and analysis by discussing the stories and contexts of different objects 
  • Gain insights into how objects relate to their current studies, with the potential for customised content 

With advance notice of at least four weeks, we may be able to tailor the tour to include objects specifically related to your current curriculum focus. 

For more information and to arrange a tour, please contact schools@nms.ac.uk

I would recommend a visit to the museum. It’s very exciting for the children and an inspiring venue.

P3 teacher, Perth and Kinross 

Curriculum links

SOC 1-01a  SOC 2-01a   SOC 4-01a  

SOC 1-02a   SOC 2-02a   SOC 3-02a  SOC 4-02a 

SCN 1-12a 

SCN 1-20a      SCN 2-20a    SCN 3-20a   SCN 4-20a 

LIT 1-02a   LIT 2-02a   LIT 3-02a  LIT 4-02a 

LIT 1-07a LIT 2-07a  LIT 3-07a   LIT 4-07a 

LIT 1-10a  LIT 2-10a   LIT 3-10a  LIT 4-10a 

HWB 1-19a   HWB 2-19a   HWB 3-19a 

Sustainable development goals

4, 9, 11, 17

Meta skills framework

Self-management: Focusing, Adapting

Social intelligence: Communicating, Feeling

Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking

Available dates

February 2025

Mon 24 Feb 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

Tue 25 Feb 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

Thu 27 Feb 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

March 2025

Mon 10 Mar 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

Tue 11 Mar 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

Thu 13 Mar 2025 - 11:00

Mon 31 Mar 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

May 2025

Thu 1 May 2025 - 11:00

Mon 12 May 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

Tue 13 May 2025 - 11:00

Thu 15 May 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

June 2025

Mon 2 Jun 2025 - 11:00

Tue 3 Jun 2025 - 11:00

Thu 5 June 2025 - 11:00

Mon 16 Jun 2025 - 11:00

Tue 17 Jun 2025 - 11:00 (FULLY BOOKED)

Wed 18 Jun 2025 - 11:00

Thu 19 June 2025 - 11:00

Request a visit

Booking Terms and Conditions

Payment process
  • Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the cost of charged sessions.  Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit. 
  • Independent Schools will be invoiced after the visit.  Payment terms are 15 days from date of invoice. 
Cancellation Policy
  • National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.  
  • Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.  
  • Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.  
  • A charge of 100% of the value of booked sessions will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations. 
  • In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee. 
  • Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
Free access for SIMD 1&2 schools

National Museums Scotland (NMS) Free Workshop Policy: Terms and Conditions 

Eligibility and Access Policy for Free Workshops 

As part of our commitment to inclusive education and community engagement, National Museums Scotland (NMS) is pleased to offer 20% of our educational workshops free of charge to schools located in areas designated as SIMD 1 and 2, based on the Scottish Government's Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The following terms and conditions apply: 

Eligibility Criteria 

  1. SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 to qualify for free workshops. 
  2. Verification: Eligibility will be verified using the latest SIMD data provided by the Scottish Government. Schools may be required to provide documentation or additional information to confirm their eligibility. 

Workshop Availability 

  1. Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools. 
  2. Exclusions: Please note that this offer only applies to workshops delivered by National Museums Scotland staff and excludes special events, study days and special exhibition visits.
  3. Advance Booking: Schools are encouraged to book early to secure a place, as free workshop slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  4. Waiting List: In the event that all free workshop slots are filled, eligible schools can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a slot becomes available. 

Terms of Participation 

  1. No Transport Cost Support: NMS does not provide financial support for transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from the museum. 
  2. Cancellations: Schools must notify NMS at least two weeks in advance if they need to cancel a booking. Repeated cancellations without adequate notice may affect future eligibility for free workshops. 
  3. Feedback: Participating schools may be asked to provide feedback on the workshops to help us improve our educational offerings. Participation in feedback activities is appreciated but not mandatory. 
  4. Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session. 

Application Process 

  1. Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form. 
  2. Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status. 
  3. Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with details of their workshop booking. 

We are dedicated to making our educational resources accessible to all and look forward to welcoming eligible schools to National Museums Scotland. 

By participating in our workshops, schools agree to adhere to the above terms and conditions. NMS reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. 

July 2024