We’ve teamed up with upcyling experts Ostrero and artist Bryony Knox to create three paper-cut designs inspired by Scottish animals. Choose from a stately stag, a magical unicorn or a red squirrel! The designs are inspired by paper-cut art from Mexico . Look out for some examples in our Patterns of Life gallery.

Learn about four different ecosystems in Scotland through objects, games and microscopic imagery. Our accompanying resources will allow your class to study biodiversity across Scotland. Bookings open August 2022

Explore the story of Waterloo at the National War Museum.

The 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.

This exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change.

Mode brings the museum's wardrobe to life with a selection of 30 objects from the world of fashion.

This trail is to help you to ‘reset’ and find some moments of mindfulness and wellbeing in the Museum. Listen on your own device as you explore the space.

In 1971, over 300 beautiful scent bottles were donated to National Museums Scotland. The scent bottles were collected by Ida Pappenheim. Discover the story behind this charming collection.

These multi-coloured plastic dolls, western in their appearance, are very popular in Africa today.

Explore a range of activities suitable for pupils working at Third and Fourth Levels and Senior Phase including the First World War, Parasites and Fashion.

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.

We asked our Facebook fans which objects from the National Museum of Scotland their families would like to colour in, and here are the results! From our family of lions to the giant sunfish, T-Rex to our elephant - is your favourite here?

Sue Jane Taylor has spent over thirty years recording the lives of workers in the North Sea oil and gas industry. These pages are a selection of Sue Jane Taylor's work that were on display in the Age of Oil exhibition (21 Jul - 5 Nov 2017), at the National Museum of Scotland.

The first important professional woman artist of modern Scotland, Phoebe Anna Traquair was a leading figure within the Scottish Arts and Crafts movement.

Dramatic highland landscapes, tartan and bagpipes are among the defining images of Scotland for many people around the world today. This exhibition explored how they were used to represent Scotland.

Enjoy a weekend of festive family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life.

National Museums Scotland’s Ancient Egyptian collection comprises around 6,000 items. Explore its rich treasures here.

Learn more about what’s changed to help you plan your visit.

Delve into the diverse collection of pioneering ethnomusicologist Jean Jenkins.

A variety of objects relating to the life of Scotland's bard can be found in National Museums Scotland's collections.

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.

If the first four-legged animals had never emerged from water onto land, our world today would not exist. Yet how did this great step happen? The mystery is finally being solved – and fossils discovered in Scotland lie at the heart of the story.

The Thin Red Line is one of the best known of all Scottish historical paintings and is the classic representation of Highland military heroism as an icon of Scotland.

Amelia Robertson Hill was one of the few female sculptors in 19th-century Edinburgh. Her work can be found in many prominent locations in Scotland.

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!

These medieval chess pieces from the Scottish island of Lewis are among our most popular collections. They give us fascinating insights into the international connections of western Scotland and the growing popularity of chess in medieval Europe.

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

Discover more about the Circular Economy through the work of young people across Scotland, led by Ostrero.

From delicately-carved porcelain to bold statement jewellery, discover how contemporary Japanese artists are challenging preconceptions and using traditional Japanese materials and techniques in new and innovative ways.

On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him.

Be inspired by our staff favourites from our collections on display on Level 1, or try and find them all on your next visit.

Discover unexplored stories in our LGBTQIA+ Hidden Histories audio trail.

Join Director Dr Chris Breward, Senior Curator of Science Dr Tacye Philipson, and Senior Curator of Mineralogy Peter Davidson, as we discover how we’ve explored our place in the universe.