This touring display of a unique sword and targe from the collections of National Museums Scotland visited Perth Museum and Art Gallery and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
ViewMake the most of your visit with our museum highlights. Your rural adventure starts here!
ViewSeasonal news and updates from our historic working farm at the National Museum of Rural Life.
ViewWhen medieval buildings in Blyth’s Close off Edinburgh’s Castlehill were demolished, these pieces - associated with Mary of Guise - were rescued.
ViewUse these seven yoga based poses to move, stretch and get energised, inspired by our collections. You can do each one on its own or all seven together in a 'yoga flow'.
ViewCurator Fiona Ware and Dr Dan Harries from Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Life & Earth Sciences introduce some of Scotland’s finest marine habitats and discuss the importance of the museum’s specimen collections to monitoring changes in our seas.
ViewIn 1908, an undisturbed ancient Egyptian burial was discovered by Flinders Petrie in Qurna Thebes.
ViewDiscover how this stunning, detailed wall hanging was brought back to life by our Textile Conservation team.
ViewOur Natural Sciences collections cover both life sciences and earth sciences.
ViewMembers receive free access to the National Museum of Rural Life and special events throughout the year, and generous discounts in our shop and café.
ViewExplore the highlights of the historic airfield with this new family trail.
ViewExplore how missionaries made a significant impact on gathering the materials featured within the Tibetan collections at the National Museum of Scotland, with their materials peaking between 1890-1904.
ViewExplore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Early, First and Second Levels including: - Mandarin - Writing a story - Maths and numeracy
ViewTake a look inside one of the most treasured objects in the National Museum of Scotland.
ViewSir James Black was one of the greatest Scottish scientists of the modern era. His work in medicine and pharmacology has improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
ViewThe Research Library is our main reading room on level 3 of the National Museum of Scotland.
ViewFrom November 2019 we will begin consultation on our next National Programme (2021 - 2025). We would very much like to hear from colleagues, partners and funders on what National Museums Scotland's future work across Scotland should focus on.
ViewThe Making Circles schools project invited children to be inspired by National Museums Scotland’s collections to create new Circular Economy products.
ViewThe Scottish History and Archaeology Department at the National Museum of Scotland is a leading player in the field of post-excavation analysis of finds.
ViewDiscover more about the Tibetan project, in collaboration between the University of Stirling, Department of Languages, Cultures and Religions, and the National Museum of Scotland, Department of World Cultures.
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.
ViewVolunteering with National Museums Scotland can be hugely rewarding. But don't take our word for it, here's what some of our volunteers say about their time with us.
ViewWith the opening in February 2019 of three new galleries at the National Museum of Scotland, we celebrated the completion of the transformation of our much-loved Victorian building.
ViewThis exhibition explored how life on earth moved from water onto land 360-345 million years ago.
ViewBehind this frightening-looking mask, worn as a disguise by the outlawed Covenanting minister Alexander Peden, lies a fascinating story of rebellion and religious conviction.
ViewWith the introduction of rationing, the threat of air raids, and the loss of so many workers through conscription, daily life looked and felt very different for people at home in Scotland during the Second World War.
ViewOn 31 October 2014, Dr Chris Lee presented Margaret’s Wardrobe at the National Museum of Scotland, as part of Luminate: Scotland’s Festival of Creative Ageing. This illustrated talk showed how personal collections can help preserve self-identity, and how our museum collections continue to stimulate memories and discussion.
ViewVisitors discovered the diversity of life in Scotland’s seas and the many threats facing our marine life.
ViewThe National Museum of Scotland received £16,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to work with young people from the Scottish Sikh community.
ViewOnly 89 Twin Pioneers were ever built – and you can see one in the National Museum of Flight.
ViewWe’ve teamed up with upcycling experts Ostrero and artist Bryony Knox to create a design for a cool owl badge – made form a fizzy drinks can! Try it out today.
ViewWe have a range of initiatives to support and welcome pupils with additional support needs to the National Museum of Scotland.
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.
ViewWith a diverse range of events spaces and idyllic grounds, the museum is an ideal location for corporate or private events.
ViewThis bold and engaging sculpture is a mixed media piece made from recycled found objects.
ViewThis collaborative research partnership with the National Army Museum reappraises motivations for military collecting. It investigates cultures of collecting by members of the British armed forces while on campaign and garrison duty in Africa and India during the late 18th and 19th centuries.
ViewAmong the museum's collection in storage are a group of Thai ceramics excavated at Sawankhalok.
ViewThe image library of National Museums Scotland comprises a vast wealth of material from our museums. Images from National Museums Scotland are available from the image library for reproduction in publications, film, television and other media.
ViewSee the world's first delta winged bomber on display at National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield.
ViewFind out how this revolutionary telescope was invented, and how it found a home at the National Museum of Scotland.
ViewDiscover how an extra-terrestrial exhibit was made ready for display in the National Museum of Scotland.
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