This weekend:
360 Fest
29th Aug
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £17
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest
Exhibitions & displays
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
LAST CHANCE TO SEE
Giants
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Until 14 Sep
Tickets from £13
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants
Scotland’s First Warriors
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Until 16 May 2027
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/
Events
Magic Carpet
Sep 7, 14, 21
10:30 – 11:15 or 11:45 – 12:30
Tickets from £4 per session
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet
Creative Workshop: Drawing the Earth
12 Sep
12:30–16:30
Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available
In this workshop, led by geologist and illustrator Vojta Hybl, you will explore the rock cycle – the process by which rocks change from one type to another. 2026 marks 300 years since James Hutton’s birth. Often credited as the father of modern geology, Hutton’s ideas about deep time changed how understood the age of the Earth. Vojta will combine scientific knowledge of geology with a range of creative approaches to demonstrate just how dynamic rocks can be. You will visit some of our collections inspired by James Hutton, to encourage your drawing as a new way into understanding geology.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-
The Sunday Sketch
20 Sep & 25 Oct
14:00 – 16:00
Tickets from £13
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-
Creative Workshop: Drop Spinning
26 Sep
10:30-12:30
Tickets from £50, Members and concessions available
Join Nic DeRushie, researcher and living educator, for this inspirational and practical workshop around traditional spinning techniques. There will be the opportunity to make spindles and learn the basics of spinning using Scottish heritage breed fleeces. Learn about yarn plying and explore projects that can be done using a small amount of hand-spun yarn.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-
In Conversation: Understanding Prehistoric Lives Beyond Conflict
26 Sep
14:30-16:00
Tickets from £10
The exhibition curator of ‘Scotland’s First Warriors’, Dr Matthew Knight, is joined by Tristan Hughes, television presenter, author and history podcast host, and Nicole DeRushie, historian and author of ‘Bog Fashion’, to discuss the archaeological evidence that tells us about life beyond conflict in prehistoric Scotland.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/
Music at the Museum
27 Oct – 2 Mar 2027
11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15
Free, drop-in
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/music-at-the-
Find out Fridays
4 Sep – 26 Feb 2027, Friday afternoon during term time
13:30 – 16:00
Free, drop-in
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/find-out-
Museum Socials
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
Third Friday of the month
10:30–12:00
Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-
National Museums Collection Centre
242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Collection Centre Tours
15 & 22 September, 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30
Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of how we store and research our collections. Find out how our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/collection-
National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Working Animal Day
12 Sep
10:30-16:00
Free with museum admission
Join us for a fun-filled celebration of working animals at the National Museum of Rural Life.
See amazing outdoor displays from sheepdog training experts Glen and Jan Welsh, and specialist dog stunt team Les Amis d’Onno. Then head inside the museum for themed crafts and family storytelling.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/working-
Tractor Tots
18 & 21 Sep, 2 and 5 Oct
Learning Centre
£25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3
Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-
Autumn Explorers
Tue 13 – Fri 16 Oct
10:30 – 15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, and this time we’re going back to our roots, digging into the traditions of the Scottish potato harvest.
Ever wondered why there’s a school holiday in October? Come along and discover how this tradition began when children would swap the classroom for the fields to help with the tattie howking. Find out how this crop has fed families for generations and get hands-on with sustainable activities, some surprising science and spud-tacular storytelling.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/autumn-
Adult Workshop: Botanical Printing on Paper
Sat 17 Oct
10:15 – 16:00
Tickets from £65, Members and concessions available
Join Glasgow-based natural dyer and botanical printer Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw for an introduction to sustainable monoprinting using only locally foraged botanicals. You will learn how to select and prepare plant-based elements to create your own set of monoprints on paper.
This workshop is for anyone curious about sustainable processes and creativity with nature. Elisabeth will also share some of her work along with her new book ‘Botanical Printing on Paper’.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/adult-
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
360 Fest
29 Aug
10:00-17:00
Tickets from £17
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month,
10:00-12:00
Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-
Expert Talks
Concorde Theatre
11 Sep & 16 Oct
11:00-11:20
Free with museum admission
From April to October, learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In August, Eilidh MacKenzie will discuss ‘The Work of Poppy Scotland’ and in September, Elaine Edwards will discuss ‘The Work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.’
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/expert-talks
Doors Open Days
26 & 27 Sep
10:00-17:00
Free, booking essential
Visit the museum for free over Doors Open Days East Lothian weekend and learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Immerse yourself in interactive galleries, supersonic experiences and our historic hangars and airfield.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/doors-open-
Half Term: How Things Fly
Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct
10:30 – 15:30
Free with admission
The National Museum of Flight is full of things that fly of all shapes and sizes. This October Break you can discover how they fly with a range of fun family activities.
Build a glider with wings shaped like a real aeroplane. Try some popular flying toys from our toy trolley. Watch our 10 minute How things fly show.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/half-term-
Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/
Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/
For booking, opening times and location details: Home | National Museums Scotland
