Overseas school groups

You are here Home Schools Visits to our museums Overseas school groups

We welcome overseas school groups to our museums and can offer a wide range of resources.

Visiting the National Museum of Scotland

If you’re planning to visit the National Museum of Scotland as part of an overseas school group, please let us know you’re coming.

There are two options for your visit:

A general visit – free of charge, donations welcome. We have a range of self-led resources which you can use with your group to explore our galleries. You can also use our ESOL Selfie-Bingo sheet.
A visit to our special exhibitions – costs vary. Our special exhibitions change throughout the year. Details of upcoming exhibitions can be found in on the Exhibitions & Events pages of our website. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry to charging exhibitions. To book your discounted tickets, email groups@nms.ac.uk.

At present, we are not able to offer guided tours.

How do I book?

All overseas school group visits to the National Museum of Scotland must be booked in advance.

Please complete our visit request form to request a general visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

To book an exhibition visit, email groups@nms.ac.uk

How much does a visit cost?

Self-guided visits

Self-guided visits to the National Museum of Scotland are free of charge. Donations are welcome (suggested donation £5.00 per person). Contactless donation points are located throughout the museum.

Special exhibition visits

Tickets to paid exhibitions are discounted for groups of 10 or more, and a further discount will apply if you choose to pre-book and pay in advance at the time of booking (contact groups@nms.ac.uk for further information). Please note there are no group discounts for charged events.

Prices will be confirmed by email to all enquirers. We accept payment in cash or by debit/credit card.

Where should we go?

All school groups should enter the museum via the main street level entrance on Chambers Street. This entrance is suitable for wheelchair access. Our Visitor Experience Team is located at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall and will be pleased to help with any additional information or assistance you may require.

Where can we eat?

Eating and drinking is restricted to the museum lunchroom. Please contact schools@nms.ac.uk to check availability.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a meal or snack at our Balcony Café or Brasserie.

Where can we leave our jackets and bags?

Our cloakroom facilities are currently closed. Please do not bring any items to the museum that you are unable to carry with you.

Where can we be dropped off or park?

There is a coach drop off point outside main entrance to the museum on Chambers Street (postcode EH1 1JF).

Pay and display parking is available on Chambers Street and off-street parking nearby at NCP Quartermile. Further information on parking can be found at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parking

Is there a museum shop?

Your group may wish to visit the museum shops which are located in the Entrance Hall, the Tower Entrance and outside Exhibition Gallery 1.

The shops stock ‘pocket money’ items as well as more expensive items. To reduce crowding please bring your group into the shop in groups of no more than 10. We suggest you stagger group visits throughout your trip.

Are wheelchairs available?

The National Museum of Scotland has a limited number of wheelchairs available for visitors. Wheelchairs cannot be pre-booked. Please enquire at the Information Desk on arrival.

How much do your maps cost?

All maps are free of charge and can be picked up from our Ticket and Information Desk in the main Entrance Hall. You can also download maps and trails in various languages and see our exhibitions and events programme.

What safety guidelines should we follow around COVID?

Ensure everyone attending, including adults, are aware of our guidelines including the recommended wearing of a face covering. Please read our guidance ahead of your visit. Please be aware that all our bookings will comply with Scottish Government guidelines.

What measures are in place to ensure a safe visit?

During your visit we ask that you: 

Keep your distance from other groups. 
Use the hand sanitiser provided and wash your hands often. 
Face coverings are recommended for visitors aged 12 and over, unless exempt.

If a member of your group begins to display COVID-19 symptoms whilst in the museum, please alert the nearest member of the Visitor Experience team (dressed in navy/purple) immediately.

If you have questions about any of the above please email schools@nms.ac.uk (for self-guided visits) or groups@nms.ac.uk (for special exhibition visits).