Our Global Arts, Cultures and Design collections include internationally important material from across the world.

Contemporary collecting has been core to the development of the National Collections over the last two centuries.

We provide expert advice on collections, their identification, care and management. We also offer wider skills training to museums in Scotland.

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

Investigate different aspects of life on Earth, through fascinating fossils, tools for turning the soil and pieces of art reflecting the devastating effects of pollution on our planet.

Use one of our ten-minute activities with your class today, with suggestions for how you can extend.

Be inspired by our staff favourites from our collections on display on Level 1, or try and find them all on your next visit.

Our African, Americas and Oceanic collections of over 25,000 objects represent historic and contemporary textiles, musical instruments, pottery, weapons, jewellery, basketry and contemporary art.

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.

Oracle bones are parts of animal bone, used in divination ceremonies in ancient China. National Museums Scotland’s collection of oracle bones dates from the late Shang dynasty (c.1200–1050 BC) and was found at Yinxu site near Anyang city, in central China.

The discovery of a well-preserved pectoral cross placed near the top of the Galloway Hoard was the first sign this was an extraordinary assemblage.

We aim to share our collections and our expertise as widely as possible. Our research is shared through exhibitions, publications, national and international loans of our objects, and our learning programme.

The Museum’s East and Central Asian collections, comprised of over 36,000 objects, are of national and international importance. The collection includes ceramics, lacquer, prints and paintings, clothing and textiles, ivory, metalwork, jade, furniture, contemporary art, and coins.

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.

Our very own in-house Whovians have chosen 10 objects from our collections that have links to some of the scientific themes and stories from the iconic television series.

Our Learning and Engagement Team work to create programmes, tours and resources to engage communities around Scotland with the national collections. Here you'll find more information about recent projects.

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle.

Archaeological finds from Rome's invasions of Scotland can be found throughout the country, from the Solway Firth to Moray. Three of the most prominent sites are Trimontium, Traprain Law, and the Antonine Wall.

This huge amethyst geode formed over 130 million years ago in lava during a period of volcanic activity.

These multi-coloured plastic dolls, western in their appearance, are very popular in Africa today.

Changing technology played a vital role in the Second World War. Major advances in communications, weaponry and medicine came about as a direct result of the conflict.

Our Natural Sciences collections cover both life sciences and earth sciences.

National Museums Scotland is collecting history as it happens. Our new film series, Collecting the Present, explores objects we have collected recently that document cultural, political and social change in Scotland.

In 1907 the builder William Willett wrote a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight, campaigning for Daylight Saving in the UK. 9 years later, in 1916, this came into effect in UK law and effectively changed how we experience the passing seasons. Read on to find out more about Daylight Saving is and why Willett wanted it implemented...

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Learn how museums and zoos are helping to conserve endangered species through CryoArks – the UK’s national bank of frozen animal material.

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

Discover how Highland dress was adapted in the Georgian period into the iconic and fashionable symbol of Scotland we know today.

This magnificent maple cabinet was designed by Edward William Godwin and painted by the renowned artist, James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

Scottish-born Alexander Dalrymple was a significant figure in Britain’s maritime history.

Discover the story of National Museums Scotland, from our 18th century beginnings to the present day.

Museums are great places to uncover stories. Build your own story, inspired by our amazing objects.

Celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Burns in a series of films focussing on key objects associated with the bard.

Explore how CryoArks biobanks store samples from animals so that researchers can look at their genetic code.

Discover how Victorian inventors and entrepreneurs succeeded in capturing the very first images.

Discover how the skull of a 40ft whale, which captured the heart of the nation, has become a permanent feature at the National Museum of Scotland.

Explore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Phase including the First World War, Parasites and Fashion.

Explore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Early, First and Second Levels including: - Mandarin - Writing a story - Maths and numeracy

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

The panel was given to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1865 by Sir James Young Simpson.

This acquisition by contemporary Japanese artist, Taguchi Fumiki, has been laboriously carved to sparkle like diamonds.

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.

Discover more about the Circular Economy through the work of young people across Scotland, led by Ostrero.

Maori craftsmanship and museum conservation bring to life one of our most unusual and intriguing objects.

From the age of dinosaurs to the technology of the future, our galleries contain treasures from around the world.