National Museums Scotland

People walk around a large, light, multi-level gallery space with two levels of balconies around the sides.

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What's on

  1. A black and white photo of a group of people standing in a city square holding balloons. There is a child's pram covered in protest signs and buttons.
    Exhibition

    Cold War Scotland

    –
    Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, this exhibition tells the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    More info
  2. Two visitors walking through the entrance of the National Museum of Rural Life.
    Event

    Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life

    Tue 22 Apr 2025, 14:30 - 17:00
    Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

    National Museum of Rural Life

    Find out more
  3. Event

    Injecting Hope: Deaf Experiences of Lockdown

    Wed 23 Apr, 17:30 - 19:00
    Join us for a film screening and discussion exploring the Scottish Deaf community’s experiences of lockdown.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
See what else is on

Discover our collections

  1. Twelve bronze objects, including some rounded fittings with concentric circle designs and a rattle pendant.
    Discover

    What is the Peebles Hoard?

    The Peebles Hoard is a spectacular collection of bronze, leather and wooden material. Dating to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BCE), it contains several hundred elements from a complex set of objects. A complete sword in a wooden scabbard…
    Keep reading
  2. A bust portrait of a man slightly turned to the left, wearing a dark coat with a white shirt against picturesque landscape in the background.
    Discover

    Get to know Robert Burns through 10 objects

    A variety of objects relating to the life of Scotland's bard can be found in National Museums Scotland's collection. Read on to learn more about Burns' life, legacy, and his depictions in objects and popular culture.
    Keep reading
  3. A white sheep looking to camera, shown from the shoulders up against a grey background
    Discover

    The story of Dolly the sheep

    Dolly the sheep was the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell. Affectionately named after country music legend Dolly Parton, Dolly caused excitement and controversy among both scientists and the public.Why is Dolly…
    Keep reading
  4. Discover

    Discovering dinosaur bones on a Scottish island

    Dr Elsa Panciroli was walking along the shore of the island of Eigg when something caught her eye. She had stepped on a boulder, but there was something unusual buried in it.Dr Panciroli, a Research Associate at National Museums Scotland,…
    Keep reading
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