The latest National Museums Scotland listings with highlights including upcoming exhibitions, Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire at the National Museum of Scotland and Art of Commemoration at the National War Museum.
EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
OPENING SOON
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Saturday 14 November 2026 – Sunday 18 April 2027
Tickets from £13.50, concessions available.
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire will reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. This exhibition will bring the military communities of Rome’s most northern frontier to life through new research, significant loans from across Europe, and previously unseen archaeological discoveries.
Visitors will encounter objects and stories that bring a vibrant and diverse frontier community to life. This will include finds from a 2nd century AD Roman fort at Inveresk, East Lothian. Central to the exhibition will be two spectacular altars from the fort’s Mithraeum (a temple to the god Mithras).
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/Roman-Scotland-Life-on-the-Edge-of-Empire
Scotland’s First Warriors
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Until Sunday 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.
Scotland’s First Warriors is supported by Postcode Lottery players
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors
National War Museum
Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
Open daily, 09:45 – 16:45
OPENING SOON
The Art of Commemoration
Saturday 5 December 2026 – Sunday 14 January 2029
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free, tickets to the castle need to be purchased
The Art of Commemoration explores the story behind the Scottish National War Memorial, one of the most important 20th century buildings in Scotland. The exhibition brings together original architectural drawings, artworks, objects, and archival material.
Learn more about the first proposals to build a National Memorial in 1917, through to its opening a decade later. Find out about the women artists involved in the Memorial’s creation, and how they provided a nuanced perspective on the experience of war. Explore the impact the Memorial had on Scottish identity, and hear from those who work within the Memorial and continue to be inspired by it.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/the-art-of-commemoration
EVENTS
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Museum Socials
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
Third Friday of the month
10:30–12:00
Free, ticketed
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.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
The Sunday Sketch
Meet at the Entrance Hall Information Desk on Level 0
Sunday 25 October
14:00 – 16:00
£15 (Members and Concessions £13)
Ages 16+
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.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch
Music at the Museum
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
Tuesday 3, 10 & 17 November
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-museum
Find out Fridays
Grand Gallery and Learning Centre, Level 4
Until 26 February 2027
Friday afternoons 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-fridays
Curiosity Club
Learning Centre, Level 4
Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027
10:30 – 12:00
£10 (Members £9)
Ages 7-11
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club
Learning Centre, Level 4
Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027
14:30 – 15:30
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Ages 7-11
These relaxed sessions are designed for children with additional support needs and their families.
Get inspired through games, activities and an optional gallery visit. Explore some of the fascinating facts and stories behind our collection. We aim to create a fun, friendly, and relaxed environment for ASN children to explore our Curiosity Club activities with the reassurance of their parents/carers being with them or nearby.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Scotland
Sun 1 Nov & 6 Dec
10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
Free, drop-in
A monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to families with neurodiverse children, neurodiverse 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.
Find out more, www.nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-scotland
Sensory Sunday
Learning Centre, Level 4
Sun 1 Nov – Sun 7 Mar
11:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 15:00
Free, ticketed
Ages 5-10
Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions.
Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun, hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday
Magic Carpet
Learning Centre Event Space, Level 2
Mon 9, 16 & 23 Nov
10:30 – 11:15 and 11:45 – 12:30
£5 (Members £4)
Ages 0-4
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.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet
Museum Late: When in Rome
Fri 20 Nov,
19:30 – 22:30
£26 (Members and Concessions £24)
Ages 18+
A night of Roman-inspired revelry in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland after hours, inspired by the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
When in Rome, do as the ancient Romans do! Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars and Roman-themed performances and activities throughout our galleries.
Find out more, www.nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-when-in-rome
Meet the Makers: Prehistoric and Roman Scotland
Grand Gallery
Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov
10:00 – 16:00
Free, drop in
All ages
Free, drop-in demonstrations and displays showcasing craftsmanship of the past.
Contemporary makers will represent craft skills from Bronze Age Scotland to the Roman military occupation. Discover how pottery, jewellery, textiles, leather, tools, and wooden objects were made in the past. Inspired by our major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/meet-the-makers-prehistoric-and-roman-scotland
Creative Workshop: Roman Pottery
Learning Centre Studios
Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov
10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30
£50 (Members and Concessions £45)
Ages 16+
Master potter and ancient pottery specialist Graham Taylor leads a workshop on the skills and techniques of ancient Roman Pottery making and decorating, inspired by objects on display in the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire. Working with a pot fresh from Graham’s wheel, participants will create their own replica pot that will be taken back to the Potted History workshop, fired, and returned to them.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-roman-pottery
In Conversation: Tìr nam Beann, Scotland’s Gaelic Mountain Culture
Auditorium
Wed 25 Nov
18:30 – 20:00
Free, ticketed
Ages 14+
An evening panel conversation exploring the relationship between Gaelic culture and Scotland’s hills. Join us after hours at the museum for a panel discussion. Explore the relationship between Gaelic culture and Scotland’s hills in the 21st century.
Còmhradh panail feasgair a’ rannsachadh a’ cheangail eadar cultar na Gàidhlig agus beanntan na h-Alba. Thigibh còmhla rinn às dèidh àm dùnaidh aig an taigh-tasgaidh airson deasbad panail a rannsaicheas an ceangal eadar cultar na Gàidhlig agus beanntan na h-Alba san 21mh linn.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/in-conversation-tìr-nam-beann-scotlands-gaelic-mountain-culture
Drawn Together
Grand Gallery
Mon 28 – Thu 31 Dec
10:00 – 16:00
Free, drop-in
Join us this festive period and be inspired to sketch some of the fascinating objects in our collection.
Pick up a pencil and paper from our table in the Grand Gallery and head off to explore the museum or sketch together at our tables. When you’ve finished, why not add it to our mini-gallery and let others admire your work? Come along with the whole family or enjoy some mindful time by yourself or with friends.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/drawn-together
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
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.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight
National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life
Adult Workshop: Festive Willow Weaving
Learning Centre
Sat 28 Nov
10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30
£40 (Members and Concessions £35)
Ages 18+
Choose from four half-day festive willow workshops for adults at the National Museum of Rural Life.
Led by willow artist and forager Max Johnson, choose from one or more workshops to make a willow wreath, star, or reindeer and tree to take home. All workshops are suitable for beginners and all materials and equipment will be provided.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/adult-workshop-festive-willow
Family Workshop: Festive Felt
Learning Centre
Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec
10:30 – 12:30 and 13:30 – 15:30
Tickets from £15 (Members £12)
Ages 7+
Create your own festive felt tree decoration in this family craft workshop at the National Museum of Rural Life. Led by felt maker and artist Natalia Kerr, families can work together to make either a felted Highland cow or pig in a blanket tree decoration to take home.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/family-workshop-festive-felt
