Delve into the pages of an exquisitely illuminated Book of Hours in which Mary, Queen of Scots, inscribed an affectionate verse in French to her great-aunt, Louise de Bourbon.

Huge chains strike the eye with a comic book grandeur. Yet this is no comic or Pop Art painting but an Archie Brennan tapestry from 1977 entitled Chains.

These simple-looking glasses hold a secret power: they allow people with red-green colour blindness to experience colours which they would normally be unable to see.

The unicorn is first mentioned in a long lost book about India about 400 BC and eventually is adopted as Scotland's national animal in the 15th century and can now be seen everywhere.

Aberdeen-born Annie Pirie was one of the first women in the United Kingdom to study Egyptology. Discover how this trained artist and pioneering archaeologist has left a lasting legacy.

These small objects were essential tools for trade in West Africa until the end of the 19th century.

Meet 'the good ladies' of bird collecting, two pioneering ornithologists whose work is still influential today.

Join our curators to explore the fascinating objects that inspired Sir Walter Scott and the celebrated novels in which they feature.

This dramatic suit was worn by the flamboyant fashion editor turned Highland society hostess Frances Farquharson.

The Meissen lion is part of the animal menagerie commissioned by Augustus II the Strong in the early 18th century.

Our West, South and Southeast Asian collections contain more than 17,000 objects, giving insight into the lives of past and present people across a vast geographical area.

Discover more about the Circular Economy through the Making Circles schools project, led by Ostrero.

Préparez votre visite du Musée national d'Écosse.

Napier’s ‘bones’ or ‘rods’ are just one of the methods invented by the Edinburgh-born Renaissance scholar John Napier to speed up calculations.

Make your own upcycled dinosaur from left over cardboard. How about creating a terrific T Rex, a stunning Stegosaursus or a dapper Diplodocus?

James VI and I was a hugely significant Stewart king, but has been overshadowed by his notorious relations: his predecessor in Scotland, his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots; in England, his cousin, Elizabeth I; and his successor in both kingdoms, Charles I.

Scotland Creates volunteer Aileen Miller explains why this pioneering Edinburgh Modular Arm System (EMAS) is so awesome

This box inscribed with the name of Pharaoh Amenhotep II is one of the finest examples of decorative woodwork to survive from ancient Egypt.

Download resources to create your own Teacup Travels adventure, based on the CBeebies series, and find out where you can see the objects that inspired the Viking episode.

Lulu came from the only killer whale pod in the UK and was found dead on Tiree in 2016. She had the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls ever recorded from a marine mammal.

Flora MacDonald famously helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape. This snuffbox, an heirloom of her clan, links the romantic pair.

As microscopes became increasingly popular, so did companies that specialized in slide preparation.

A unique jar of rock crystal and gold from the Galloway Hoard with a fascinating history – and an intriguing name on it.

Hung in Europe’s most noble households, this luxurious tapestry belongs to a Flemish set known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues. It was woven in Brussels during the early 16th century.

Rarer than the tiger, the Scottish wildcat is Britain's last native cat species. Find out more about this elusive feline and the efforts being made to ensure it has a future.

In August 1839, Lord Eglinton held a mock-medieval tournament at his estate in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The event was hugely popular, and around 100,000 people attended. Step onto the battlefield and discover some of the objects associated with this flamboyant festival here.

Planifique su visita al Museo Nacional de Escocia.

Planowanie wizyty w Narodowym Muzeum Szkocji.

Combined with the historic dress and textiles collections pre-dating 1850, our collection of European and North American fashion and textiles consists of c. 50,000 items.

This elaborate 19th century vase was created by the architect and designer William Burges, and formed part of his opulent interior decoration design for Cardiff Castle.

Science and Technology volunteer Susanne Hotvedt introduces this powerful piece of small technology.

This simple looking object made it possible for the first clinical trials and batch production of penicillin to take place. Its design marks a significant milestone in the history of medicine.

This Byzantine sardonyx bowl mounted on a 16th-century gold stand is truly a magnificent object.

Discover how research and collecting at National Museums Scotland is reshaping understandings of Scotland in the past as we take a closer look at a very special Roman object with surprising Egyptian origins.

The lidded vessel which contained the Galloway Hoard's most precious treasures is itself a revelation.

计划您游览苏格兰国家博物馆的行程

Discover how this unique piece of Scottish printing heritage found a new home at the National Museums Collection Centre – bringing with it a sprinkle of Harry Potter magic!

The design of this elegant modernist dining suite was once admired by the Queen Mother. Now extremely rare, it makes a significant new addition to the national collection.

The collections of decorative arts, craft, jewellery, glass, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and product design comprise over 11,000 objects.