The National Museum of Scotland is housed in magnificent buildings. Find out about its striking architectural details below, and explore them further on your next visit to our Museum.

Your journey of discovery starts here

The National Museum of Scotland has become the first museum or gallery in Scotland available for exploration online via Google Arts & Culture’s Museum View experience.

In 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.

Join George Hay, Official Historian at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as he explores the Empire of the dead – the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Scotland, and the birth of modern commemoration.

Long before the French Revolution, the Scots had invented and were using the beheading machine known as the Maiden. It was used to execute criminals and political opponents of the crown from 1564 to 1710.

Discover the story of National Museums Scotland, from our 18th century beginnings to the present day.

Discover objects on loan to the new Trimontium Museum in the Scottish Borders

National Museums Scotland are delighted to welcome back the University of Edinburgh Short Courses – a great way to explore our collections and their wider history with experts.

We are delighted to invite National Museums Scotland Members and Patrons to an exclusive Preview Day of Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania before the exhibition opens to the public.

Acclaimed historian and broadcaster Michael Wood joined Dr Adrián Maldonado, Glenmorangie Research Fellow, to discuss Adrián’s new book, 'Crucible of Nations: Scotland from Viking Age to Medieval Kingdom'. The book reassesses the museum’s Viking-age collections, uncovering an exciting new vision of Scotland’s diverse and creative past.

Visitors discovered some of the treasures within the National Museum Scotland's significant collection of oracle bones, the second largest in the world outside of China.

This striking fusion of styles, traditions, and Scottish and Ugandan cultures is designer José Hendo's sustainable fashion statement for our times.

Inspired by a rare chance to see The Declaration of Arbroath, curator Dr Alice Blackwell and National Records Scotland conservator, Hazel de Vere, discuss its historical significance and material fragility.

Join curator Lydia Prosser for a guided virtual tour of our Kingdom of the Scots gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.

The Luxury of Time displayed a collection of rare and significant historical timepieces telling the story of a golden age of innovation in British watch and clockmaking.

Join us for this exclusive Member event to learn more about one of the rarest Viking-age discoveries in Scotland.

At the National Museum of Rural Life we have a significant collection of 20th-century harvesting machines in our large machinery store.

Join us for an exclusive Member event to learn more about one of the most important documents in Scottish History.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder explored the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.

Within the walls of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum tells the story of Scotland at war.

Wing your way to one of Scotland's top days out at East Fortune Airfield.

Explore life in the countryside at our five-star museum, farmhouse and historic working farm.

More than 10 million objects make their home at the National Museum of Scotland. Discover the secrets of our treasures with this unique five-part series.

What do museum collections reveal about Britain’s and Scotland’s role in the Transatlantic slave system and the experiences of enslaved people?

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

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.

Join Chief Chebe as he takes you on two African storytelling adventures at the National Museum of Scotland.

The unicorn is first mentioned in a long lost book about India about 400 BC and eventually is adopted as Scotland's national animal in the 15th century and can now be seen everywhere.

Join curator Anna Groundwater for a guided virtual tour of life in Renaissance Scotland at the National Museum of Scotland.

The Roman army was drawn from many corners of the vast Roman Empire

Forts were not just military bases, they became the heart of communities

Our beautiful Clydesdale horses are one of the star attractions at the National Museum of Rural Life

The Wester Kittochside Farm at National Museum of Rural Life was owned and run by the Reid family for more than 400 years.

Journey through a brief history of the early bicycle and discover some of our modern cycling treasures.

Discover the story of Scotland’s early silver and how this precious metal helped to shape the first kingdoms of Scotland.

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

Delve into our animated adventures and explore the world around us from unique perspectives.

Tools to help aid teaching and learning about the Romans in Scotland