The 1897 invasion and looting of the west African Kingdom of Benin resulted in the sale and dispersal of thousands of artworks into European and American museums.

The Making Circles schools project invited children to be inspired by National Museums Scotland’s collections to create new Circular Economy products.

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.

Behind this frightening-looking mask, worn as a disguise by the outlawed Covenanting minister Alexander Peden, lies a fascinating story of rebellion and religious conviction.

National Museums Scotland has been awarded a grant by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) with the National Maritime Museum, London to enable organisations around the UK to work with community groups to explore experiences of empire, migration, and life in Britain through their collections.

Only 89 Twin Pioneers were ever built – and you can see one in the National Museum of Flight.

Your journey of discovery starts here...

With a diverse range of events spaces and idyllic grounds, the museum is an ideal location for corporate or private events.

See the world's first delta winged bomber on display at National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield.

Visitors discovered the diversity of life in Scotland’s seas and the many threats facing our marine life.

Explore the story of Waterloo at the National War Museum.

With 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.

Find out how this revolutionary telescope was invented, and how it found a home at the National Museum of Scotland.

Exclusive evenings celebrating our Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition. Our adult-only events will explore the creative innovation and cutting-edge science behind the global hit television series, Doctor Who.

Discover how an extra-terrestrial exhibit was made ready for display in the National Museum of Scotland.

We trace the story of the Australian mammals in the Natural World galleries at the National Museum of Scotland and meet the rare numbat.

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

Enjoy a range of freshly prepared food and drink in our two cafés at the museum.

We’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.

Join Galloway Hoard researcher Dr Adrián Maldonado as he reacts to depictions of the Viking Age in movies, TV and video games.

Find out everything you need to know about visiting the National Museum of Rural Life.

Meet Ching Ching the panda, one of the world’s most endangered species in Survival at National Museum of Scotland.

Discover how objects in the museum’s collections can help us explore Scotland’s involvement in the Atlantic slave trade and the abolitionist movement.

National Museums Scotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Sam Alberti as its new Director of Collections.

This toolkit was created in partnership with museums across Scotland to explore ways to measure and articulate the social impact of engagement with autistic children, their families and young people.

This exhibition explored how life on earth moved from water onto land 360-345 million years ago.

Delve into the diverse collection of pioneering ethnomusicologist Jean Jenkins.

The battle of Tel-el-Kebir was a decisive moment in the British maintaining order in Egypt in the late 19th century and its depicted in a magnificent painting at National War Museum.

Meet Cybraphon, the moody autonomous robot band in a box created by Edinburgh-based artist collective FOUND.

See five highlight objects that summarise the legacy of Rome's invasions of Scotland

Images of people taking part in aspects of everyday life at home and and on the front line during the Second World War from the Scottish Life Archive and the collection.

Download our family trail to help you plan a structured visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

The Lewis chess pieces live in the National Museum of Scotland. Colour them in or cut out and make your own chess piece here.

These four unique instruments were specially created for Performance and Lives gallery at the National Museum of Scotland by internationally renowned composer and artist Victor Gama.

The Cockcroft-Walton generator was developed at the University of Cambridge in the early 1930s to accomplish the first artificial splitting of the atom.

Head outdoors and see how many brilliant birds you can spot with the help of some bright binoculars! Learn how to make them here!

Make unlimited visits for 12 months with your National Museum of Rural Life ticket.

Our Scotland galleries guide you from the Palaeolithic era to the present day, from the earliest cultures to space age science, prehistory to pop culture.

Marvel up close at the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots.

Discover the classic Ruston steam excavator, and find out how our conservation team restored it to its former glory.

What is it like to hold your own brain? John Scott, a Lothian Birth Cohort participant, was lucky enough to find out

This display highlights a small selection from our Scottish History & Archaeology collections, showing how research and collecting at National Museums Scotland is reshaping understandings of Scotland in the past, and reflecting the Scotland of today for future generations of museum visitors.

This compound microscope belonged to Charles Peach (1800 - 86), a highly respected naturalist and fossil hunter.

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.

A general self-led visit is free to book and allows you to explore a wide range of topics.

The National Museum of Scotland is full of fun for kids of all ages!