What inspires you in our museums? Get creative and join our month-long online art challenge at National Museums Scotland!

Go behind the scenes with us and journey through time via our rich and diverse collections.

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

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

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.

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.

A weaving loom collected by David Livingstone among the Mang’anja people in Mozambique or Malawi reveals fascinating links between past and present.

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.

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

Designed by Kate Whiteford, the title of the work refers to the notorious whirlpool to the north of the island of Jura and draws on the artists's fascination with signs and symbols of ancient civilisations.

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.

Gain tips on how to plan a shoot and improve productivity

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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This joint meeting will take place from 5—10 June 2022 in Edinburgh.

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

Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store.

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

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

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.

Contemporary objects created by Indigenous people are helping us to grow our understanding of other cultures and build stronger links with communities around the world.

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.

Help protect remarkable objects and be the first to hear about the stories they hold.

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.