Find out more about how colonial collectors gathered a broad range of objects from areas that were, and still are, considered ethnically and culturally Tibetan to some degree, including areas of Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh and West Bengal.

The wealth of objects in the national collection represent everything from Scottish and international archaeology to applied arts and design, from world cultures and social history to science, technology and the natural world.

This beautifully crafted 14th-century sculpture was made by an anonymous artist known as the Master of the Gualino St Catherine.

This classic outfit was part of Marks & Spencer's 'Best of British' range, which celebrated British craftsmanship and creativity.

This exhibition revealed an insight into the lives of children in the 18th and 19th centuries through a unique collection of Scottish samplers on loan from American collector Leslie B. Durst.

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!

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.

Possibly the oldest in the world, this pitch drop demonstration is also one of the slowest science experiments ever created

In our collection we have many items that have been linked to the famous Queen, but is this association fact or myth?

While reflecting telescopes came to predominate as large astronomical instruments in dedicated observatories, refracting instruments continue to be the most popular choice for portable instruments, from naval spyglasses to birdwatchers’ binoculars.

New to the National Collection showcased the latest additions to our collections, including objects that will feature in ten new galleries in 2016.

What did visitors say about Ming: The Golden Empire? Here’s a selection of comments from our visitors’ book and Twitter.

For the first of the Glenmorangie Research Project’s re-creations we chose to commission the making of a throne.

Objects from the National Museums Scotland collection can be found at museums throughout the UK and internationally.

Fraser Hunter is Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology.

Matthew is a Senior Curator of Prehistory responsible for the Scottish Chalcolithic and Bronze Age collections. He is also responsible for the Scottish archaeological human remains collections.

Collections in Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee City, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross and Stirling.

Late Bronze Age gold hoard from Cae Capel Eithin (Gaerwen), Anglesey, Wales

A fascinating example of a military relic can be seen in the collections of the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent.

Floral and foliate patterns are common in the Turkey Red Collection. They range from naturalistic styles to abstract patterns and they were produced for both the domestic and export markets.

Designs with animals and birds were produced throughout the life of the Turkey red industry. Like the floral patterns, they were often aimed at specific markets. The peacock, for instance, was a popular motif with the Indian market and appears in a variety of guises in the Turkey Red Collection.

Much of the cotton used by the Scottish Turkey red manufacturers in the early years of the industry came from North America. This cotton was dyed and printed in Scotland and much of it was sent back to America in the form of bandannas, scarves and even flags.

This bold and engaging sculpture is a mixed media piece made from recycled found objects.

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

National Museums Scotland completes a range of diverse and engaging community programmes each year. These examples highlight some of the key activities that have taken place in recent years.

A University of Glasgow Student Work Placement Project Jan – Apr 2017

The first stage of this interdisciplinary project explored the history of the sculpture and included a scientific analysis of its components. The findings informed the conservation and display of this rare piece.

Following the success of the initial project, we succeeded in securing funding from the Henry Moore Foundation and the KT Wiedemann Foundation to go further in our analysis of the 14-century sculpture of the Madonna and Child.

Three dramatic barkcloth masks offer an insight into the traditional beliefs and celebrations of the Elema people from the Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea, at the turn of the 20th century.