Latest National Museums Scotland listings

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Bernat Klein: Design in Colour
Until 23 Apr 2023
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free entry

Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour celebrates the work of the influential émigré textile designer. Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Bernat-Klein-Design-in-Colour

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder
Until 1 May 2023
Ticketed (concessions available)

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder features eight zones filled with immersive, hands-on experiences. Travel through the Time Vortex Corridor, discover Sonic Screwdrivers, teleportation technology and much more in a TARDIS Tech room, and get up close with some of the series’ weird and wonderful creatures in the Monster Vault. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/Doctor-Who-Worlds-of-Wonder


The Declaration of Arbroath
3 Jun – 2 Jul 2023
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free entry

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320 written by the barons and freeholders of the Kingdom of Scotland to Pope John XXII. The letter asked the pope to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see one of the most important documents in Scottish history – the Declaration of Arbroath.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/The-Declaration-of-Arbroath

Beyond the Little Black Dress 
1 Jul – 29 Oct 2023
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 

Ticketed (concessions available)

From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, this exhibition deconstructs the little black dress and examines the radical power of the colour black in fashion. The exhibition will chart a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Jean Muir will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Beyond-the-Little-Black-Dress

Japanese Contemporary Design
Until 30 Jul 2023
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1
Free entry

From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades. 

The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Japanese-Contemporary-Design


Events 

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily


Edinburgh Science Festival
1 – 16 Apr 2023

Two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Edinburgh-Science-Festival

Relaxed Access Evening – Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder
18 Apr 2023
17:30–19:30
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Standard exhibition entry prices apply

A relaxed after hours visit to Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder for anyone who would prefer a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this opening, numbers will be reduced and wherever possible, sounds will be lowered and light levels adjusted to provide a more relaxed experience. A quiet, breakout space will also be available. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/Relaxed-Access-Evening-Doctor-Who-Worlds-of-Wonder


Empire of the dead: Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Scotland
19 Apr 2023
18:00 – 20:00 (lecture begins at 18:30)
Auditorium, Level 1
Free (booking required)

In this public lecture, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Official Historian, George Hay, will explore the Empire of the dead – the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Scotland, and the birth of modern commemoration.

The event is part of the Royal Society of Edinburgh-funded Second World War Studies Network (Scotland).

Book now nms.ac.uk/Empire-of-the-dead

Discovering Decorative Arts at the National Museum of Scotland
20 Apr – 22 Jun 2023
11:00-13:00
In the museum galleries
£155 for 10 sessions (concessions available)

National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses including this ten-week course that will introduce the magnificent arts collections within the National Museum of Scotland. Exploring the historical developments of decorative arts and how they have influenced modern methods and techniques used to create many beautiful objects on display in the museum.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Decorative-Arts


Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Family Encounters Day
27 May 2023
10:00 – 16:30
Grand Gallery (and beyond)
Free, some performances may require sign up on the day

The 2023 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival with Family Encounters returns with a day of free pop-up performances, artist interventions and activities for the whole family.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Edinburgh-International-Children’s-Festival-Family-Encounters-Day

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00

Conservation Hangar Tours
8 Apr 2023 – 31 Mar 2024
Free with museum admission
Booking required

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with a guided tour and find out more about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Conservation-Hangar-Tours

Operation Sabotage
14 & 15 Apr 2023
Age 14+ event
Ticketed

Operation Sabotage is an escape room experience for 4-8 people that lasts up to an hour. Working together as a team, visitors must race against the clock in two Second World War-themed rooms to decipher the identity of the saboteur before it’s too late.

Book now nms.ac.uk/Operation-Sabotage


Test Flight
10 –14 Apr 2023
11:00 –16:00

Nearly 120 years ago the Wright Brothers flew the first powered and controlled aeroplane. Visitors can follow the Wright brothers and design their own aeroplane, drawing inspiration from the collection at the National Museum of Flight. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Test-Flight

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily


Spring Explorers
3 – 6 Apr 2023
10:30 – 15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Spring Explorer school holiday activities are back, and this time they’re all to do with Scotland’s folklore and wildlife.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Spring-Explorers


Woolly Weekend
20 & 21 May 2023
11:00 – 16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Woolly Weekend returns to the National Museum of Rural Life. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations of wool-based crafts, see the Scottish Blackface flock get their summer sheering with YouTube sensation Cammy Wilson from The Sheep Game and meet alpacas as well as a variety of sheep breeds.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Woolly-Weekend

Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot   

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

Edinburgh Leisure turns 25!

Twenty-five years of making a positive impact on the wellbeing of the city

Dedicated to making a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active, and achieve more, the charity Edinburgh Leisure, who manage over 50 of the city’s sports and leisure venues, celebrates 25 years today, Saturday, 1st April 2023.

Back when Tony Blair was Prime Minister, Bill Clinton was the President of the USA and Titanic was the top movie at the box office, a new leisure trust, Edinburgh Leisure was created, officially being ‘born’ on 1 April 1998.

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s CEO said: “I’m proud of all that Edinburgh Leisure has achieved over the last 25 years and although a lot has changed in the physical activity sector and indeed within our organisation, ultimately, our vision and mission has always been about providing quality services to support the people of Edinburgh to be active and healthy.

“Depending on where people live in the city, they’re probably familiar with their local Edinburgh Leisure venue. But there’s more to us than meets the eye, with 1 world-class climbing centre; 6 golf courses; 12 superb swimming pools; 17 state-of-the-art gyms; 3 soft plays; 32 tennis courts; 141 sports pitches; and 750+ fitness classes per week.  We also manage community access to the sports facilities in the city’s 23 High Schools.

“And, while our venues are well-known, many people are less familiar with our Active Communities programme, which currently supports over 10,000 people each year affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to be and stay active. We currently deliver 22 projects across the city, helping people to lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.”

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Over the years, there have been many highlights which include: the reopening of the new Meadowbank Sports Centre in July 2022; the refurbishment of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, reopening in 2012 in time to host the diving element of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games; and soon Warrender Swim Centre, will reopen once again following a refurbishment.

Edinburgh Leisure’s employees are an important part of what makes Edinburgh Leisure special. When the charity formed in 1998, they ‘inherited’ 650 employees from the former Council’s Sport and Leisure Services department, and 58 of them still work for the charity today and have 25+ years’ service. In fact, they have many long-serving members of staff, with 59 staff having worked for Edinburgh Leisure for 15-20 years and 55 staff for 20-25 years.

Vicki Mercer, Leisure Attendant (Schools) at Holyrood High School, Edinburgh Leisure (and previously Booking Officer and Receptionist at the old Meadowbank) who celebrated 30 years with Edinburgh Leisure on 29 March said: “I feel very lucky that I have managed to blend my role with Edinburgh Leisure and family life throughout the years as many of my former colleagues who started their families did. The flexibility of hours and roles have been fantastic.

“Edinburgh Leisure has also played a big part in my family, whether it was coaching classes, birthday parties and the many memorable and fun outings to the old Meadowbank Sports Centre’s Fireworks Displays. Edinburgh Leisure has certainly grown over the years, just like my children.”

Commenting on why Edinburgh Leisure retains staff for such a long time, June Peebles said: “We work in the physical activity sector which is lots of fun and our staff have a passion for physical activity and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.

“I always say it’s the people that make Edinburgh Leisure. Our company values – welcoming, caring, passionate and proud – shape the culture of Edinburgh Leisure and how we behave to each other and our customers. Edinburgh Leisure is a great place to work, and I think this contributes to why we have managed to retain so many staff with so many years of long service years between them.

“We’re operating in what continues to be uncertain and volatile times with challenging financial circumstances. Our vision remains the same as it always has been which is to provide quality services to support the people of Edinburgh to be active and healthy, and to improve the health of the city.  

“Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, we’ve got something to get you moving, keep you moving and feeling good.”

For more information:   www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Extraordinary new artworks by Alberta Whittle debut at the Modern

Alberta Whittle: create dangerously   

1 April 2023 – 7 January 2024  

Free   

National Galleries Scotland: Modern One  

Alberta Whittle | create dangerously | National Galleries of Scotland 

New multi-media works by the celebrated Barbadian-Scottish artist, Alberta Whittle, will be revealed today [Saturday 1 April] in a free exhibition at the Modern (Modern One) in Edinburgh. Alberta Whittle: create dangerously will run until 7 January 2024.

Experience the ambition and breadth of Alberta’s career to date and come away feeling her call to ‘invest in love’. At the heart of Alberta Whittle: create dangerously is the artist’s generous spirit and her powerful and poetic storytelling. Alberta pulls apart the belief that ’racism and police brutality is [just] an English problem or an American problem’.

Instead, she underlines Scotland’s complicity in the structures of white supremacy. Often deeply personal, weaving stories of family and belonging, Alberta offers a message of hope, asking us to imagine a world outside of these damaging systems and ways of thinking.  

Step inside a sound installation and listen to the voice of poet Kamau Brathwaite (1930-2020), a much-loved and hugely influential figure in Caribbean literature. Dealing with the themes of grief and loss, Alberta made this in personal tribute to Brathwaite, who was a close friend of her family as well as a collaborator.

Titled A portal for breathing love into the Elders or an Adoration for kith-folk who we long for (2021), this installation is comprised of objects of significance to the artist. 

There will be a room dedicated to addressing the themes of rest and care, and connection and belonging in Alberta’s practice, where you can slow down and pause. Inside this room, visitors will find a beautiful bespoke quilt hanging on the wall, crafted by a group of women from North Edinburgh. 

Inspired by Alberta’s practice and use of textiles and fabrics in her work, the quilt is being caringly made by a sewing group run by Project Esperanza, a charity dedicated to supporting women of African heritage, as well as women from other culturally diverse backgrounds. Facilitated by textile artist Francia Boakye, this quilt draws upon the makers’ lived experiences, weaving together their stories and their journeys as migrants to Scotland.    

To coincide with Alberta Whittle: create dangerously, Edinburgh Art Festival and the National Galleries of Scotland will also support a new performance by the artist due to take place during the festival this summer (11-27 August). 

The National Galleries of Scotland recently announced the acquisition of two major works by the celebrated Barbadian-Scottish artist, Alberta Whittle. The artist’s extraordinary installation with tapestry, Entanglement is more than blood (2022), and thought-provoking film, Lagareh – The Last Born (2022), will form an integral part of Alberta Whittle: create dangerously.

The two works were at the heart of the artist’s critically acclaimed exhibition at the 59th Venice Biennale, 2022, where she represented Scotland. Their entry into the national collection forms a significant legacy of this landmark project.

Indicative of Alberta’s art practice, Entanglement is more than blood and Lagareh – The Last Born promote compassion and collective care as a means of resisting racism and anti-Blackness. The sculpture and film installation confront the violence of colonialism, the legacies of transatlantic chattel slavery, and the impact of the climate crisis. 

Co-commissioned and created in collaboration with Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh, Entanglement is more than blood is a large-scale tapestry on a gate-like structure. It is imbued with the artist’s rich symbolism, including water, snakes, diamonds, hands, and shells. Acting as a portal, the tapestry explores the meaning of family, kinship and ancestral histories, themes that will echo throughout the exhibition.  

The imagery in the tapestry is also seen in Lagareh – The Last Born, which was co-commissioned and produced by Forma Arts, London. Centring the collective strength of contemporary Black women, this 43-minute film is anchored in ideas of abolition, rebellion, grief, and love. 6

Shot on location in Scotland, London, and Barbados, and featuring footage from Sierra Leone and Venice, Alberta has woven together contrasting stories of individual acts of resistance against racist violence with gentle moments of intimacy. 

Lagareh – The Last Born will play continuously throughout the day, and for visitors who wish to see it from the beginning, screening start times will be made available in the gallery and on the National Galleries of Scotland website. 

Alberta Whittle said: ‘This is an exhibition about hope. It is about the hope we can nurture within ourselves, but also the hope that we can have difficult conversations about the harm caused by colonialism, the Transatlantic trade in enslaved people, and the climate crisis.

“The exhibition presents an opportunity for self-reflection, and to think about the types of power we hold in the world and how we can use it compassionately.’

Lucy Askew, Chief Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘We are incredibly happy to reveal more details about Alberta Whittle: create dangerously.

“This hugely important exhibition, devoted to the work of one of the leading artists working in Scotland today, is underpinned by Alberta’s deep generosity and warmth. Alberta speaks of fundamental truths about the violence and injustices of our past – ‘the burden of proof’ – and the legacy of systemic racism which permeates through our society today, asking us to confront this with her.

“With compassion and care, she holds and guides us, encouraging us to pause, to breathe, and to think differently.”

And now … Matt Hancock’s Cheddar!

 Just when you thought Matt Hancock couldn’t get any cheesier, it has been revealed that he has hired a London advertising agency to help with the next stage of his brand-building exercise – the launch of his very own cheese brand, Matt Hancock’s Cheddar.

Mature, tangy and quintessentially British, Hancock’s eponymous dairy brand looks set to capitalise on the MP’s jungle notoriety, although whether the UK consumer is ready for Matt Hancock in their fridge remains to be seen.

Matt hired independent creative agency isobel, to come up with the cheese brand – which features Hancock’s face and the strapline “Cheese for the people”.

When probed about the branding strategy and creative execution, a spokesperson from isobel said that one of Hancock’s primary aims for launching the brand was to ‘normalise politicians’ and make them more ‘relatable’.

“Everyone loves cheese so why not create a cheese brand for the people?”

The cheese, launching nationally today on Saturday April 1st will be supported by a print, social and OOH campaign – also created by isobel.

You’d be a fool not to try it …

Constituents meet Deidre Brock MP at Warm This Winter mass lobby

‘I felt that Deidre was listening to us and shared our concerns’

Edinburgh North and Leith constituents met with their MP Deidre Brock at Stockbridge Library as part of the nationwide Warm This Winter mass lobby yesterday.

Four constituents spoke to Deidre Brock MP during her surgery hours, and other locals and volunteers from Greenpeace Edinburgh came along to support the campaign for Government-funded insulation, investment in renewable energy and further assistance for vulnerable households during the cost of living crisis.

Volunteers also delivered messages written to Deidre Brock by her constituents over the past few weeks. This event was one of more than 80 taking place across the UK this spring [1]. 

Ian, a constituent from Leith said:  ‘People from Edinburgh North and Leith met Deidre Brock MP in Stockbridge on Friday and shared the messages we’ve collected from other local people about how they are experiencing the cost of living crisis and that they want solutions such as home insulation.

“I felt that Deidre was listening to us and shared our concerns. I voiced my exacerbation at the UK’s woeful record on insulating households – and she was very much in agreement. Deidre also provided helpful advice on an individual basis as to where we could go to access more support to deal with high fuel costs and insulate our leaky properties. 

‘We’re really pleased that, at the meeting, Deidre Brock MP pledged to call for the expansion of Government-funded home insulation schemes, heat pump installation, more investment in renewable energy, and further support for vulnerable households with their energy bills.

“We look forward to hearing from her soon about how they’re pushing for the Energy Bill to work for the constituents of Edinburgh North and Leith and make our homes warmer and bills cheaper.’ [2] 

The recent Spring Statement failed to commit any new money to keep homes warm, and the Government’s promised ‘Green Day’ [3] (30th March) turned into yet another failure on climate action.

Greenpeace Edinburgh volunteers are calling for £5.3bn in new cash for home insulation, £14bn of emergency support for households struggling with bills, and £3.3bn to roll out cheap, clean heating in our homes to get the UK off gas once and for all.

We also need to triple renewable energy by 2030, and stop new oil and gas extraction. The Energy Bill is the next opportunity to legislate for these measures and build a secure energy future, with cheaper bills and warmer, greener homes.  

  1. Map showing events organised in constituencies for the Warm This Winter mass lobby. 
  2. List of MPs who have pledged
  3. Read Greenpeace’s full ‘Green Day/ Energy Security Day briefing here

A New Deal for local government?

Councils and Scottish Government ‘working hand-in-hand’

First Minister Humza Yousaf has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to resetting the relationship with local authorities in a meeting with COSLA President Shona Morrison.

A New Deal for local government has been embodied in the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning, Joe FitzPatrick, who joined the meeting alongside Deputy First Minister Shona Robison.

The New Deal will be jointly agreed with COSLA and will provide greater flexibility over local funding and clear accountability for delivering shared priorities.

The First Minister said: “These early discussions in my first week as First Minister have been an important opportunity for me to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with local government.

“Together, local and national governments work hand-in-hand to deliver on our shared priorities for the people of Scotland and the vital public services in our communities whilst recognising the considerable financial pressures across the public sector.

“Work is already underway on developing a New Deal for Local Government. We will work together, through regular and meaningful engagement, to progress this, explore a new fiscal framework for councils and reform our public services.”

COSLA President Shona Morrison said: “I was very pleased to get a meeting with the new First Minister in his first week in office. It was both a productive and positive meeting with a range of issues discussed.

“I certainly hope we can build a strong working relationship as we jointly go about delivering for the people of Scotland.”

Edinburgh Seafood Festival officially opens at St James Quarter

St James Quarter’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival has officially launched today and will run until Sunday 2nd April.

Eager seafood lovers descended on the market this morning and were some of the first to enjoy the culinary seafood delights which will be available all weekend at the Quarter, with vendors including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke, SanCiro pizza and Lemon Squeezy.

There is also a pop-up from Isle of Harris Distillery and a Prosecco and Sangria Bar, as well as the chance to pick up Scottish fish and shellfish from Catch of the Day fishmongers.

As well as enjoying the freshest produce from top quality vendors, guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April.  

For more information on this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival, please visit:

https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-seafood-festival-2023

Strachan House residents paint their Gratitude to an iconic artist

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Strachan House care home in Blackhall got creative celebrating the birthday of one of the greatest post-impressionist artists of all time, Vincent Van Gogh, on 30 March. 

Van Gogh was born in 1853 Groot-Zundert in the Netherlands and he created some of the most famous paintings in the world.  

A prolific artist, Van Gogh’s work was notable for its beauty, emotion and colour.  His paintings have been hugely influential since his death, however during his lifetime Van Gogh struggled with poor mental health, he was virtually unknown and remained poor.  He completed more than 2,100 works consisting of 860 oil paintings and more than 1,300 watercolours, drawings and sketches.

Staff and residents spent the afternoon learning about Van Gogh’s life and his distinct style of painting, then tried their hand at recreating his famous sunflowers in a vase painting. Strachan House thought this was an important piece as Van Gogh himself called the piece “GRATITUDE”

Jimmy a resident at the local care home said “what an amazing day learning some facts I never knew about the artist. The art session in the afternoon was a time for me to be able to be expressive through attempting to recreate the famous sunflower picture”

General Manager, Gordon Philp said: “We have had a fascinating day finding out all about Van Gogh, he was such a talent and created some absolutely beautiful paintings

“Many of our residents love to paint and they really enjoyed discussing their favourites amongst his works and trying to recreate his techniques.”

Marion Cooper, a resident, said: “We have had such a lovely day recreating one of his works. You don’t know how relaxing it is and I never thought I was much of an artist until today”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

 Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.

Big Book Sale and Family Fun Day at McDonald Road Library on Saturday

JOIN McDonald Road Library this Saturday 1 April 2023 for their Big #BookSale and Family Fun Day!

There’ll be #Bookbug sessions, an extended Lego Club, a sensory storytelling for toddlers and their grown-ups from Once Upon A Raindrop, competitions, crafts and more!