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In a fashion career spanning more than 40 years, Jean Muir acquired a reputation for restrained, elegant design and a devoted following. Explore signature styles from the Jean Muir archive and discover what made her designs so innovative and enduring.
ViewIn 2013, National Museums Scotland acquired one metal sculpture and one work on paper by contemporary Australian artist Danie Mellor.
ViewLegacies of Empire examines the histories connected to objects brought back from colonial conflict by the military forces of the British Empire.
ViewThe European Decorative Arts section encompasses gold and silver, sculpture, ceramics, glass, enamels, arms and armour, dress, tapestries, textiles and furniture made between 1200 and 1850.
ViewNational Museums Scotland has launched a consultation on its draft Gaelic Language Plan.
ViewNMS Enterprises was established in 2002 to facilitate the commercial activities of National Museums Scotland.
ViewScotland Creates volunteer Bethany Lane introduces this distinctive Harris Tweed suit created by iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
ViewThis embossed object is one of thousands of shallow brass basins, bowls and trays from Europe which were traded extensively along the west coast of Africa.
ViewApollo 11 was the first manned mission to land on the Moon on 20 July 1969. NASA used technology first developed in 1928 by the Scottish innovator John Logie Baird to develop a small, robust television camera that enabled the live broadcast from this mission.
ViewSyringes are important medical tools and have been around for thousands of years. With the ongoing vaccination effort against COVID-19, you or a loved one may well have encountered one quite recently.
ViewDiscover unexplored stories in our LGBTQIA+ Hidden Histories audio trail.
ViewThis beautiful piece was commissioned from Scottish silversmith Hamish Dobbie by the P&O Makower Trust for the Making and Creating gallery.
ViewThis exhibition explored the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
ViewAn incredible array of Egyptian objects can be found in museums across Scotland, from tiny amulets to massive stone monuments. National Museums Scotland and museums across the country are studying these artefacts together to improve our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and Scotland’s contribution to Egyptology.
ViewDiscover amazing science from inside your own home as we explore the elemental themes of the Edinburgh Science Festival 2020.
ViewIn this video, artist Sophie Orton shows how to make your own dragon sock puppet from things you have at home. This video was created by artists Katie and Sophie Orton.
ViewThis bold and engaging sculpture is a mixed media piece made from recycled found objects.
ViewWhat is it like to hold your own brain? John Scott, a Lothian Birth Cohort participant, was lucky enough to find out
ViewA Stirling engine is powered by hot air rather than steam. Now 200 years old, its revolutionary technology has become even more relevant today.
ViewExplore stories about LGBTQIA+ history and culture, with reflections from members of the community.
ViewThis articulated silver necklace encapsulating a large labradorite disc is one of Dorothy Hogg’s earliest works (1969-70).
ViewHung in Europe’s most noble households, this luxurious tapestry belongs to a Flemish set known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues. It was woven in Brussels during the early 16th century.
ViewDiscover the facts about a large ocean sunfish that stranded off Scotland’s coast in 2020 and hear what we can learn from studying this strange fish.
ViewOur panel of artists and museum curators discuss the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis, the research and technology being used to tackle it and how art can help communicate this critical message and inspire change.
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.
ViewThis Nimrod XV241 served with the RAF from the early 1970s until March 2010.
ViewDiscover how this stunning, detailed wall hanging was brought back to life by our Textile Conservation team.
ViewDiscover more about the Circular Economy through the Making Circles schools project, led by Ostrero.
ViewFrom ancient ceramics to imperial jade, oracle bones to contemporary propaganda posters, our Chinese collection spans over four thousand years and includes around 11,000 items.
ViewDelve into the streets and dwellings of Edinburgh’s Old Town in late 18th and early 19th century. Discover what life was like at the time of Burke and Hare and understand what drove them to commit murder.
ViewThe Board of Trustees is National Museums Scotland’s governing body. It is responsible for setting the organisation’s strategic direction and for monitoring progress to achieve this.
ViewThis dramatic ensemble by British designer Craig Green heads up the catwalk in our Fashion and Style gallery.
ViewJoin model and broadcaster Eunice Olumide as she shares her experience of a transforming industry with museum curator Georgina Ripley.
ViewAberdeen-born Annie Pirie was one of the first women in the United Kingdom to study Egyptology. Discover how this trained artist and pioneering archaeologist has left a lasting legacy.
ViewIn 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.
ViewIn 2016, we celebrated 150 years since the magnificent building that houses the National Museum of Scotland first opened to the public. Explore the Museum’s history here.
ViewDiscover 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!
ViewNational Museums Scotland launched its first national strategy in 2006 and since then our work across the country has gone from strength to strength.
ViewThis fascinating collection of scale models provides an invaluable source of information on life in 19th century India.
ViewSatanic spell, superstitious charm or echo of Edinburgh’s grisly underworld history? We examine the theories put forward to explain the strange tale of these tiny coffins.
ViewThe destruction of Hamilton Palace, the grandest stately home in Britain, was one of the greatest losses to national heritage ever to happen in this country. This is the story of how Scotland’s biggest treasure trove was won and lost.
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