Key in a search term below to search our website.
What inspires you in our museums? Get creative and join our month-long online art challenge at National Museums Scotland!
ViewGo behind the scenes with us and journey through time via our rich and diverse collections.
ViewContemporary collecting has been core to the development of the National Collections over the last two centuries.
ViewOur Global Arts, Cultures and Design collections include internationally important material from across the world.
ViewInvestigate 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.
ViewUse one of our ten-minute activities with your class today, with suggestions for how you can extend.
ViewBe inspired by our staff favourites from our collections on display on Level 1, or try and find them all on your next visit.
ViewOracle 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.
ViewA weaving loom collected by David Livingstone among the Mang’anja people in Mozambique or Malawi reveals fascinating links between past and present.
ViewThe discovery of a well-preserved pectoral cross placed near the top of the Galloway Hoard was the first sign this was an extraordinary assemblage.
ViewDiscover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle.
ViewDesigned 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.
ViewArchaeological 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.
ViewThis huge amethyst geode formed over 130 million years ago in lava during a period of volcanic activity.
ViewThese multi-coloured plastic dolls, western in their appearance, are very popular in Africa today.
ViewChanging 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.
ViewNational 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.
ViewIn 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...
ViewOur Natural Sciences collections cover both life sciences and earth sciences.
ViewFind out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store.
ViewThe Meissen lion is part of the animal menagerie commissioned by Augustus II the Strong in the early 18th century.
ViewLearn how museums and zoos are helping to conserve endangered species through CryoArks – the UK’s national bank of frozen animal material.
ViewDiscover how Highland dress was adapted in the Georgian period into the iconic and fashionable symbol of Scotland we know today.
ViewThis magnificent maple cabinet was designed by Edward William Godwin and painted by the renowned artist, James Abbott McNeill Whistler.
ViewScottish-born Alexander Dalrymple was a significant figure in Britain’s maritime history.
ViewContemporary objects created by Indigenous people are helping us to grow our understanding of other cultures and build stronger links with communities around the world.
ViewMuseums are great places to uncover stories. Build your own story, inspired by our amazing objects.
ViewCelebrate the life and legacy of Robert Burns in a series of films focussing on key objects associated with the bard.
ViewHelp protect remarkable objects and be the first to hear about the stories they hold.
ViewExplore how CryoArks biobanks store samples from animals so that researchers can look at their genetic code.
ViewDiscover how Victorian inventors and entrepreneurs succeeded in capturing the very first images.
ViewDiscover 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.
ViewExplore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Phase including the First World War, Parasites and Fashion.
View